Few passions in life unite people, communities and families the way dance does. Dance, be it formal or just for fun, has the ability to transform the mind, body, and soul in a way that no other art form can. It transcends cultures, languages, even time.
It is through dance that I first met the Lin Family. Mama Lin, Papa Lin and I shared a class at a tiny, humble artists’ collective on Wisconsin Avenue here in D.C. Though the class no longer exists in its original form, our relationship has flourished and grown over the years—and dance has always been an integral part of the glue that holds us together.
In fact, it was after a performance at the National Museum of the American Indiana that Mama Lin first told me she was pregnant. Like so many others, I was thrilled. After all, when you’re a lawyer + professional dancer and you’re married to an engineer + Habitat for Humanity guru, it’s a given that your kid is gonna be awesome.
Baby Lin, born a year ago this month, does not disappoint. Silly and energetic, she loves music and delights in showing off her newest skills, namely, walking.
So when the Lins asked for family photographs to celebrate the monumental occasion of their child’s first year on earth, I jumped at the opportunity to spend time with this incredible family. We enjoyed an afternoon stroll through Navy Yard Park, and as I watched Baby Lin giggle and romp, I imagined a future for her full of hope, promise, laughter and smiles. Mostly, though, I imagined for her a future full of love.
For Baby Lin, I offer these words of advice:
Dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth.
Happy Birthday little one!
It is through dance that I first met the Lin Family. Mama Lin, Papa Lin and I shared a class at a tiny, humble artists’ collective on Wisconsin Avenue here in D.C. Though the class no longer exists in its original form, our relationship has flourished and grown over the years—and dance has always been an integral part of the glue that holds us together.
In fact, it was after a performance at the National Museum of the American Indiana that Mama Lin first told me she was pregnant. Like so many others, I was thrilled. After all, when you’re a lawyer + professional dancer and you’re married to an engineer + Habitat for Humanity guru, it’s a given that your kid is gonna be awesome.
Baby Lin, born a year ago this month, does not disappoint. Silly and energetic, she loves music and delights in showing off her newest skills, namely, walking.
So when the Lins asked for family photographs to celebrate the monumental occasion of their child’s first year on earth, I jumped at the opportunity to spend time with this incredible family. We enjoyed an afternoon stroll through Navy Yard Park, and as I watched Baby Lin giggle and romp, I imagined a future for her full of hope, promise, laughter and smiles. Mostly, though, I imagined for her a future full of love.
For Baby Lin, I offer these words of advice:
Dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth.
Happy Birthday little one!
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