My peace came from within, knowing it was time to treat myself to a much needed facial.  Recent events in the news, family, and day to day life really takes it toll on a gal so imagine my excitement when I left my home and headed towards my friends' house so they could watch my kids while I indulged at Qui Elements Spa by Anja.  The universe had other plans that consisted of me waiting in traffic for what felt like an extra hour added to my otherwise 30min trip.  Little did I know the traffic was a result of the "peaceful" protest happening throughout downtown Dallas in light of the Ferguson court decision to not prosecute a white officer who shot and killed an unarmed black teen- unbelievable stuff yet it happens quite often sadly.  As time ticked I inched my way down Hwy 75 South onto I 30W.  

Over the weekend, my Facebook newsfeed was filled with lots of events happening in Dallas, mainly the annual Margarita Ball but I was on the other side of town getting my life with dance choreographer extraordinare, Michelle Gibson.  Michelle graced- and worked the hell out of- us all with a Brazilian Samba Class offered at the South Dallas Cultural Center.  Fond memories of Brazil came to mind as soon as I heard the live "batucada" or drumming pulsing from the center's parking lot. The feeling took me back to memories of dancing in the streets of Vila Isabel in Rio de Janeiro, tanning out on the beaches of Barra and Copacana and walking through the streets of Lapa. I can't even describe what I felt the first time I heard the drums of "Olodum" in the cobble-stone streets of Pelourinho in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil where I studied in college. Watching Michelle Samba is like getting an up close, intense and personal experience of Brazilian Carnival in the Sambadrome in Rio or Sao Paulo.  She's bad. And it's not just Brazil! From New Orleans, Haiti, Brazil to Dallas, this lady holds the world in her hips (and her heart)!  The best part about her is that she brings it all home to share it with us, the community.  As a parent, I can appreciate the exposure of other cultures through the arts to my children.  Even though we can't travel abroad this year, the South Dallas Cultural Center is the next best thing.  Take a look at the video below to see how she rocks it! 

I produced this video with the intention of showing a camera phone video clip or two of my experience but I really got into it and I wanted to show how the movements, energy and music can just take you there! I miss Brazil but this will certainly do for now.  
Shout out to Brittany Miller of Miller Photography for her camera phone video capturing skillz. Big ups to my husband, Ayinde Castro and friend Chris and the other gentleman for holding it down on the drums.  Thank you to Vicki Meeks and the South Dallas Cultural Center for giving us the opportunity and space to express ourselves within the Dallas community.  
Have you ever taken a dance class or had an experience that brought back good memories? Where? Have you ever taken a class from or saw Michelle Gibson in action? She bad, n'est pas?  I'd love to read your comments below.  See the video for future class opportunities and thank you all for watching.  

*I'm a time keeper and this one post took me 3 hours to create... is that normal? Bloggers, how long should it take to post an update? Leave your blog site or social media spot in the comment box and I'll check it out. Thanks!