Impossible Dreams? Not here.

In memory of Ruth Marion Engeman Alt
1920 - 2007

There was some concern a few years back from those who were witness to my hectic lifestyle in the city that I would find myself bored in such a small town. That I wouldn't have a lot to do. Knowing Telluride as I do, I brushed aside their worries with a shake of my head.

And now, trying to settle down for an hour to survey the past year, I can honestly say to all the concerned: You were sooooo wrong.

It's been 10 months since I wrote a blog--not because I didn't have anything to say, but because the days went rushing past me at ever-increasing speeds. Even the "off-seasons" which are supposed to be times of rest & rejuvenation seemed to not exist for me.

While I'm exploding the "Nothing To Do In A Small Town" myth, I'd also like to disintegrate the "Small Town Lack Of Accomplishment" myth. This town is amazing. San Miguel County in particular--and southwestern Colorado in general--is filled with an astounding collection of artists & writers & activists & community-oriented people. They selflessly give the gift of belief--the belief that anything can be accomplished here. It's the Old West ideal in its living, breathing form.

Every year Telluride has one of the most successful AIDS benefits in the state. This year, the community (and lots of friends) raised $25 million in the ongoing effort to secure a beautiful, symbolic piece of land as open space. This year, a couple of people contributed a lot of time, money, and sweat equity to open a beautiful performing arts space in Norwood. This year I was in my 1st tap dance recital in 30 years. (It redefined the word "terrifying" for me.)

My personal greatest accomplishment of not only this past year, but of any year, was the creation of Swing Camp Telluride. When I started taking dance classes in 2001 I had no idea it would be such a large part of my future. I only knew that as soon as I stepped into the Stevens' sisters classes in Pasadena, I loved it. With the closest swing dancing a 7 hour drive away, I resigned myself to the fact that my dancing days ended when I moved to Norwood. I was sure I would never hear anyone in Telluride mention the lindy hop.

But then I met my friend Sandy who had danced in San Francisco, and instantly my lindy hop world doubled. And the formation of a swing dance camp just as suddenly went from an impossibility to a probability. Sandy & I attended an event and there were 3 lindy hopping couples from the area. Our numbers had quadrupled in 1 night. The clincher was a community grant that I received to help finance the camp. At that point I was forced to make it happen.

The swing camp was blessed on many levels--the grant from CCAASE, the enormous help & support of my family and friends, the assistance of 3 great teachers I had met on a cruise in 2004 (Catrine Ljunggren, Elliott Donnelley, & Calle Johansson), and Chad, a friend/DJ from Phoenix.

I'll never forget looking into the first lindy hop class that Catrine & Elliott were teaching. There were at least 10 couples swing dancing and laughing in the Sheridan Opera House--a sight I truly never expected to see.

I realized with the passing away of my grandmother in October that without a doubt I got my love of dance from her. Every time I visited them, she & my grandfather would end up dancing. It didn't matter if they were wearing housecoats & swimsuits in their living room or if they were dressed to the nines at a wedding. If there was a moment for dancing, my grandma took advantage of it. I know a few of my aunts got the dancing bug from her, and I'm pretty sure my cousins Heidi & Elke have it as well.

As I prepare for the 2nd Swing Camp Telluride this March, I don't know if it will take me "far" in life, but that's not the point of it. The camp is a way for me to share my love of swing dancing with the community I love. Every single person who had even a miniscule part in helping make it happen gets unending thanks for helping me realize a dream.

Thank you Everyone. Thank you CCAASE & TCAH. Thanks Grandma!

May we all lindy on throughout 2008 and beyond! Happy New Year!!!

10 THINGS I LEARNED IN 2007:

1.) "All-weather" tires are NOT snow tires

2.) Snow tires are very important

3.) I will drive 7 hours just to go to a dance

4.) Friends in Denver are a great thing

5.) Dogs can act like teenagers, too (let's hope that phase passes quickly...)

6.) Smokey Robinson can still bring down the house

7.) Tap dancing is difficult

8.) "Deck the Halls" is easy to hate if you use it as the ringtone on your work phone

9.) There is a handsome, young, single man in Norwood! (But he's not single anymore...)

10.) No one could pull off a pink bunny suit like Grandma