Inna Sista: the soul, rythmn, and funk in each individual.
I, myself, first found my Inna Sista over the summer while interning in Orlando. I was surprised by the shear ease of my transistion into "sista-hood". Looking back, it was a long time coming. I remember in grade six when my friend told me I could dance good. This was a huge accomplishment since I had no idea what I was doing and anything I attempted looked like something straight out of an MC Hammer video ...but hey, talk about an encouragement boost.
Then during my high school years, I slowly built upon my dancing skills but at a very slow pace. I was unsure and didn't want to make a fool out of myself. You know, damage my reputation. So I stuck to the regular bobbing-up-and-down-with-the-hands-in-the-air move ...or the occasional Electric Slide. But nothing too serious.
Now, once college came around. I entered into the uncomfortable world of Ohio women's soccer and introduced into the "dance circle." I never really participated much in the imfamous and time-honored dance circle before each game until my sophomore year when I decided to break out some interpretive dance. (We ended up losing that game, thus, I never attempted the circle again that year for fear of bad luck.) But during this time I acquired a new dance move that I diligently worked into perfection: The Harlem Shake.
The year was 2004 and the season was summer. I was in Orlando and everything just clicked. Sure, I had always had rythmn and, sure, I was athletic and willing. But I never had the opportunity to showcase what I could do on a dance floor until I had instruction, choreography and encouragement. This was the killer combo. I searched deep inside and with the challenge set ...I found my inna sista. And oh, was it so sweet. I started Harlem Shaking and Sea Walking everywhere. I was popping with confidence and drenched in attitude.
And with this new found Inna Sista I reapproached the dance circle this year. I felt and looked like a completely different person. Some say I came into my own. Some say that I was just plain crazy and didn't know it. I owe it all to my Inna Sista and those that encouraged me to find it. Thus, with my Inna Sista intact, I wanted to give back and help those who were in search of that one thing missing in their dancing life.
DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION: The dance competition of all dance competitions. What do you get when you challenge every Division I women's athletic team to a dance competition with the chance of winning not only bragging rights, but a coveted trophy as well? ...Dance Dance Revolution ladies and gentlemen. Athlete's in Action hosted our first annual dance competition and it was AMAZING. The atmosphere and the air of competition was tense. The soccer team had a killer routine. And the smack talk had been flowing all week. But soccer prevailed and through all the long hours, sweat and hard work...Ohio women's soccer team found their inna sistas...and let me say that I've never been so proud in my life.
A dream complete.
