Memorable experiences researching dance for my next novel…

In 2017, I began writing my third novel, featuring two female dancers who fall in love. I’d written most of the story, which takes place in San Francisco, before I realized I hadn’t included dance in the book. None. How could I forget that essential detail? So, I figured I’d do some dance research, firsthand, and somehow insert it in my manuscript.

Not an easy feat, given my history with dance.

I’ve been dancing ever since I climbed onto my parents’ living room table at age two. I loved performing in my socks on its slick, varnished surface. Yet my parents couldn’t stop my limbs from whacking over lamps and Christmas tree lights. On a whim, my mom signed me up for ballet, but I got kicked out for unruly behavior (I’ll spare you the details). I admit, I was born un ungraceful blob.

At sixteen, I tried again, learning jazz with our pastor (funny, seeing him in tights after church). And in college, I took ballroom dance—also a disaster. I hated waiting for nerdy guys to ask for my clammy hand; I always wanted to lead. I was a total tomboy and hadn’t figured out I was a lesbian yet, though I knew I wasn’t into guys. Nope.

Finally, I moved to San Francisco, where I discovered “Barefoot Boogie” in the Mission District. I no longer needed a partner to dance. Such freedom! So, I began practicing with a handful of regulars. That is, when I wasn’t performing for free in queer clubs: on podiums, tables…even on a fridge once. Anything that could support my skinny, restless body gyrating to loud, groovy music. Those were wild times!

Then I forgot all about the joys of dance and became a writer. I still had loads of energy, which I channeled into my stories: ripping through reams of paper in lieu of dance floors. Until I found myself in this predicament for my next book, and I had to do dance research.

Luckily, in 2019, someone suggested I check out 5Rhythms® (https://www.5rhythms.com). What a gift to the soul! Right away, I loved the music, the spaciousness, the sequencing, the subtle interactions, and strong connections with other dancers. Such a heart-opening experience…

This practice has led me to personal transformation, a richer understanding of humanity, even healing… Since that formidable first day, I’ve taken several unforgettable workshops with talented 5Rhythms teachers from across the globe.

Now, the main characters in my current manuscript—two female dancers who fall in love—are actually dancing (before gnawing on savory burritos and sipping tangy margaritas). All this dancing sure works up an appetite—for them, and for me!

It’s hard to describe the impact of this new dance practice on my life. It’s changed my way of seeing and communicating with the world, and my style of writing. It wakes me up to life and brings me more peace and clarity. I feel more in tune with everything. As I explore inwardly, every cell of my body comes alive with certain songs. Some provoke rage, while others create stillness and acceptance for myself and my surroundings.

You’ve got to experience it to know what it’s like. Even dancing on a chair, or lying down, or draped over a sofa, it’s all possible… I’ve tried it, and it works! Dancing every day, even for five minutes or so—alone in my living room now because of the pandemic—invigorates me. It helps me thrive, especially during these two tumultuous years of COVID-19.

In February 2021, my partner and I relocated from California to Brussels, Belgium. We hardly had any furniture in our new place for three months: perfect for dancing! Nothing to knock over. No pesky neighbors yelling at us to turn down the music. It was heavenly!

Now, we have our table, sofa, and lamps again, so I try to control my flying limbs.

Anyway, thanks to three years of dance research, I’ve added plenty of movement to my next novel, Blended Lives, which I hope will come out soon. It’s an intriguing love story between two culturally, linguistically, and emotionally mismatched lesbians. One dances professionally in a troupe while the other performs on podiums in queer clubs.

Thank goodness I’ve rediscovered the thrill of dancing. I’m now hooked, just like my characters. For more info, feel free to check out my future blog posts, and my first two novels, Underwater Vibes and its sequel, Broad Awakening, which feature Hélène and Sylvie, in Brussels, Belgium, and Santorini, Greece, who fall in love through swimming. There’s some dance in those books as well.

Take care and stay safe. Happy holidays!

Mickey