2013 was a magical year for me and I cannot describe how thankful I am for the opportunities and experiences that have come my way. As it is impossible to fit one year into less than five minutes, this video can only show so much. Beyond what is shown here, I am infinitely grateful for the numerous "small" moments with family and friends who have supported and grounded me as I continue on in my adventures in the Middle Kingdom. Simple moments with beautiful people in China (Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Taiyuan, Macau) and in the US (Chicago, Oak Park, NYC, San Jose, Los Angeles, Nashville, Las Vegas) are truly what have substantiated this year. The way many beautiful souls have humbled me by their love and friendship can never be captured on film. Thank You.
Thank You to my teachers and mentors. Without you, it would not be possible to do what I am doing now. You have pushed me past what I knew I was capable of and gave me the confidence to push further on my own and take big risks in my career. Your movement and life lessons are engrained in me and a part of you will forever be in everything I create.
Thank You to all my students in Shanghai and back at home in Chicago and Oak Park. You allow me to share what I love in its rawest form and inspire me as I continue to learn and grow as a teacher and a choreographer. I am also forever a student.
Thank You to my friends from Uchicago. Those I am with in Shanghai, because of you, I finally feel like I am part of a wonderful community away from home. (This of course includes the wonderful people in association via Chase Future and Strikingly.) To my Dudl Huse family who I got to reunite with in many cities and who I keep in touch with via Skype/iMessage, there is something so special about our house and how close we remain even though we are scattered across the globe. Love.
Thank You to my dance friends in Chicago. Chicago is home to absolutely incredible talent and you endlessly inspire me. Beautiful words spoken in NYC and in studios in Chicago are not taken for granted and are part of what pushes me go even further. I will always be proud to rep the Chi-town dance community and hope to build something great across seas so we can dance together again soon!
Thank You to my dance friends in Shanghai. Even though we come from many countries across the globe (USA, China, UK, Spain, France, Russia, Columbia, to name a few), it is breathtaking how dance is a universal language and I love sharing moments with you all on and off the dance floor. Some of you have greatly helped me in moments of complete vulnerability during some of the most difficult moments of this year. Even when we were barely strangers at the time, words cannot express how grateful I am for your generosity and open hearts. Thank you.
Thank You to the many people I have met briefly who have also made an impact on this year. From teaching three open minded and talented girls from Michigan to helping build a swing in Chengdu, the joy I feel from many short encounters remain in my heart and are not forgotten. I look forward to the next time our paths cross.
Thank You to my friends who I've stayed close to from high school and earlier. Reuniting at the Taste of Chicago with friends from Quest and pow wows with the 5 pack are some of the most cherished moments. Nicole, I love you.
And the biggest Thank You to my family. This past Christmas has been one of the most wonderful celebrations yet because I was able to share it with you. I feel so blessed to have such warm hearted step families that make me feel a part of something even greater than what I grew up with as a child. I am grateful for technology to be able to keep in touch with family all across the US. Thank you to my mommy who has been there for me nonstop even when I am halfway across the world. Thank you to my siblings who are total rockstars and who inspire me endlessly! Tony and Gina, I am so proud of you!
These words cannot fully capture how I am humbled by the amazing people I am blessed to have in my life. I am grateful for the many beautiful moments and I can't wait to spend more glorious time this upcoming year. I thank you all for making 2013 so magical and I hope to make you proud in 2014 and beyond!
Much love always,
Elisa
PS. If you would like to stay up to date on my adventures in 2014, shoot me an email at dancerE44@gmail.com and I will include you in my periodic email updates. Its going to be another great year!
