Still Dancing, Still Becoming
To all the girls I’ve danced with before… I have been talking about something like this for a long time… They stole my idea, and I am glad that they did!
The other day I went to something that honestly felt like a full-circle moment for my soul. Earlybirds Club: a dance party for women who have shit to do in the morning!
If you don’t know the story, it was founded by two high school friends, Laura and Susie, to create a space where women (and gender-expansive folks) could dance, feel free, and leave all the late-night nonsense, judgment, and need to politely decline at the door. And, the event’s proceeds were donated to Detroit based Alternatives for Girls which helps homeless and high-risk girls and young women avoid violence, teen pregnancy, and exploitation. If you are not familiar with the organization, they empower girls to access support, resources, and opportunities to be safe, grow strong, and make positive choices for their lives
I had a great time and I reflected on all of the earlier versions of me who loved to dance in a Boogie Wonderland…
The 17-year-old me who snuck into the Majestic with Kelly and her brother all those years ago could NEVER have imagined dancing like that at 55. She’d be shocked… and honestly, probably impressed that I’m still rocking Chuck Taylors (definitely an upgraded version 😉).
The 20-something me? She may have unfortunately been judging these women because of her own insecurities at the time. Last night was different however. As I danced, I watched these women with curiosity and admiration. They were laughing, dancing, and enjoying themselves. What struck me the most was how different it felt from going out when I was younger. There was no comparison. No judgment. No scanning the room wondering where I fit in. Just a room full of confident, grounded, vibrant women who know exactly who they are. I found myself looking around not with self-consciousness, but with awe. I am so glad I turned out to be one of the women who loves life and is always finding new ways to enjoy herself and her beloved city.
And the MUSIC… 🔥
The DJ absolutely nailed it. Spinning mixes that hit every musical tastebud. Never in a million years could that 17-year-old punk-loving, self-conscious version of me have imagined herself dancing to Britney and Miley, still losing it to Montell Jordan and Bel Biv DeVoe, and getting that full-body YES when “Delirious” by Prince played.
But more than anything, it was the time spent with a dear friend, someone I have only known for 15 years. Not one of my long time dance partners, but someone who’s been there as I have grown into this best version of myself and who is on a similar journey of her own. She’s my walking partner. My neighbor. Someone who was there for me through a huge transition in my life. We’ve been comparing parenting notes, sharing wisdom, growth and learning to navigate this life on our terms. That part? That’s the real magic.
When I think about the 17, 27, and even 37-year-old versions of me… I think they would be proud. I think they’d be excited. And I think they’d be so damn relieved to know we made it here. Still dancing, still growing, still choosing joy.
And maybe that’s exactly what a cofounder, Susie meant when she said this is a place to remember who the f*ck you are. 💜
