Thanks for coming. Thanks for dancing. Thanks for supporting. There are so many people involved in the OCCPs that I hope I have conveyed to each of you my profound gratitude in person so that you know you have helped make all of the years so very special.
Now, in answer to the many questions…sort of , at least.
My mom always said she is only 39 – thus I had to stop counting my age at 37 so that I never get older than her.
37 is a wonderful prime number and, as a reckoner of time, 37 shows a reasonable amount of life experience has been garnered but there’s still lots of juice left for adventures.
So, December 14th was the 37th Class Party < the name changed to the Ottawa Centre, then Community Class Party maybe 10-12 years ago> I will have organized since I began teaching in 1998.
And it’s a good time to stop.
Many of my friends already thought I was done when I announced last year that I would no longer host a June event, but I had been a bit vague about December’s event.
After a very “community-minded “lunch with two influential folk – my husband, and best dance bud, it was expressed that doing one more, and then making with an official announcement, might be a good way to pass the torch.
So from a crazy BBQ in my backyard for the the first few June shows – remember those Linda and Susi? – to various restaurant locations for the December shows, growing to a peak of 400 + attendees for a few years and needing the Bronson Centre as our venue, with a variety of community centre locations along the way, I have been most happy at the University of Ottawa Alumni Auditorium location – even with the construction, crazy displays in the hallways and the other whacky challenges.
I’ll always be grateful to my friends who have helped over these many years by volunteering to herd the dancers, help with set up, stage management, emceeing, promoting and of course performing and bringing their student groups out to dance!
Our community has lots of potential. And I hope that those who decide to take advantage of the opportunity to create they own community minded dance showcase/ presentation/ etc will continue to offer new dancers ta safe space in which to perform.
But really, it won’t be my show anymore, so just be sure to save me a seat – and a slot for my students/ and/or crew to dance!
Classes start January 18th – go sign up!
Some memories:
Thank you for the work and dedication of 37 wonderful shows. It takes a certain kind of someone to voluntarily herd dancers over and over again. We are a noisy, fluttery, sparkly bunch that doesn’t always conform.
All signed up for January, and looking forward to the fun and adventure of the next chapter!
Thank you so much Tracey, these events mean so much to so many of us. There have been many people, myself included, who first stepped out and started to build their self confidence at your events. It has been an absolute joy and pleasure, and Ottawa is very lucky to have you and the wonderful videographer Tom, as we have many wonderful memories we can look back on. Bravo!
An immense thank-you for supporting this dance community so many years. I have had the pleasure to participate at so many of your shows and have so many wonderful memories. Like Andrea mentioned we were definitely lucky to have you and Tom in Ottawa. You have been a great role model. It is big shoes to fill but as I let the cat of the bag, I will try my best to continue this wonderful tradition next June. This dance community has already stepped up and offered their help, a testimony of the dance community you built this past 37 years.
Congratulations Tracey and Tom. Looking forward to the dance challenges in 2017. 🙂
Lol – It’s not 37 years – I’m not that old yet!
And I think that Ottawa will be open to lots of new ideas and ways of presenting our community! YAY!
First off… thank you for 37 wonderful OCCPs. They have always been a MUST for me as one of the best things I participate in each year. I was sad to hear you announce that #37 would be your last but I certainly understand why. Nor am I surprised… this has been coming for a while. It has been a great community builder and inspires us all to support each other and take joy in each others achievements.
You looked so overjoyed and light hearted after the show (at PB’s). Like the weight of the world was lifted from you. It made me so happy to see your face lit up. I look forward to seeing more of that over the following years.
Hopefully some younguns will take up the mantle of the OCCP so that you too can enjoy it the way we do. Just show up and dance and have fun.
Thank you again for all your hard work, teaching, organizing, etc.
First off… thank you for 37 wonderful OCCPs. They have always been a MUST for me as one of the best things I participate in each year. I was sad to hear you announce that #37 would be your last but I certainly understand why. Nor am I surprised… this has been coming for a while. The OCCP has been a wonderful community builder… a community of dancers supporting each other and taking joy in the accomplishments of others.
My first Belly Dance class with you was my first Belly Dance experience and 16+ years later I can honestly say it has been GREAT! That’s down to you. You always made it fun.
You looked so overjoyed and light hearted after the show (at PB’s). Like the weight of the world was lifted from you. It made me so happy to see your face lit up. I look forward to seeing more of that over the following years.
Hopefully some younguns will take up the mantle of the OCCP so that you too can enjoy it the way we do. Just show up and dance and have fun.
Thank you again for all your hard work, teaching, organizing, etc.