As the Dancer Turns...
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Sweet memories. Honoring Phil Adams. Grateful I found this photo recently.
SUNDAY AUGUST 8th, 2021
Hello to our Dance Family...
Welcome to Phil Adams' & Mindia Robin's Newsletter: "As the Dancer Turns..."
Photo from our last (in person) Holiday theme, 1st Saturday workshop & dance event.
12/ 2019. Thanks to Steve Stingley for the pic. Phil's jacket had flashing lights.
Any guesses on who is with Jasper Cat in this silly photo??? Read on to find out.
Photo from our 1st Saturday workshop & dance in September, 2017. My dad & brother were here visiting from Florida. Dad's bowtie was a big hit. He danced with many ladies that night. Phil was sportin' a cool vest. I love this family pic.
HEARTBREAKING NEWS
HEY PRECIOUS DANCE FAMILY...
This is the 110th newsletter that I am writing. (Plus some other ones before we made it official.) I started this project about 8 years ago. No doubt this will be the hardest newsletter to do & share. Probably most of you have heard the devastating news that Phil passed away, very unexpectedly, right before Thanksgiving. Many months later, it is still so hard to believe what has happened. I'm sorry that it has taken me so long to write this, but my recovery has been complicated (to say the least). Thank goodness it is OK to not be ok. I have really missed writing the newsletter, & all the responses/ conversations following, each time I sent it. This has been one of my favorite projects ever. Such a process to confront it all at this time, but it feels good to be expressing in this way again. Although all so bittersweet. I realized today that it has been nine months since the last newsletter. Perfect time for a birthing. No wonder I'm over-flowing with stuff to share. (Not that I'm usually too concise, being a wordy Virgo.)
Also our newsletter server switched to a brand new program/ format last year (oy vey). So I'm having to learn how to navigate the new system. Takes much longer to do stuff initially. (True story.) It has taken me about six weeks to get this newsletter in shape.
THANK YOU from my heart to so many of you who have supported me in different ways. The outpouring of love has been amazing. Very grateful.
Last year, Phil & I were trying to save our business during the pandemic; the stress was quite intense. (In addition to a number of other difficulties.) But there was really no significant warning, until the day Phil died, that anything was seriously wrong. Phil had a massive heart attack. At least there was minimal suffering. I was so fortunate to have had a life of dance with him for almost 10 years, doing what we love. We were partners in life, dance, & business. I invested my heart & soul into our relationship, business, & life for the last decade. Wonderful experiences, opportunities, growing pains, memories, & lovely dance family to connect with in community. Endless gifts. I believe Phil & I did a lot of good in this world. There is so much to celebrate about Phil. I think he was an amazingly gifted dance teacher & choreographer (maybe I'm a little biased). Phil's dancing was not too shabby either. Forty years in the making. So grateful we were able to honor Phil at our 1st Saturday event, right before shutdown last year. A night to remember. Stay tuned to hear more about Phil's accomplishments.
Very soon after Phil passed, these words came to me:
“LIFE IS SO FRAGILE...
PLEASE BE LOVING. PLEASE BE KIND.
GO INTO YOUR HEART. THE KEY YOU WILL FIND.”
I keep these words close to my heart, as a prayer for all of us.
PHIL VIDEO
I kept this video from the last newsletter. It's one of my favorites of Phil... Let's remember him with all the dancing joy. Phil was rockin' the gray hair during the pandemic.
VIDEO 1:
PHIL JAM... FROM OUR HALLOWEEN ZOOM DANCE EVENT 2020. Song: "24K Magic" by Bruno Mars
(We have an Ascap license to support artists.) Click on the link below to view.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/HtHEtf5KAHXMY1Yd7
HOW AM I??? How is Jasper Cat???
You are all asking. Well he is certainly much better than I have been. Honestly it has been a very tough road. I'm making more progress now. Three steps forward, & two back... some days. Other days, no idea. Recovery,... setbacks... more recovery. I know that healing is never a linear path OMG. I have had lots of health issues, house issues, & Jasper issues... but thank goodness nothing too serious. Also many other challenges for months. Doing my best to embrace the struggles, & grow through all the loss, as best as I can. These life forms are all so impermanent. Perspective is necessary. Jasper has been my little life saver. So true when they say, "Who rescued who?" Jasper keeps me going. We survived Thanksgiving & the December/January holidays, then my dad's bday in June, who passed away in 2019. Jasper's bday has always been celebrated on June 12th, since that is the day in 2016 that Phil & I officially adopted him. We don't know Jasper's real age. Then Jasper & I got through our 1st Father's Day without Phil. And July 10th was Phil's bday. The good news is that Phil had stocked up on tissues last year for the pandemic. The bad news is that since I can't blame every problem on Phil anymore (missing things, broken things etc.), Jasper is taking all the heat. And here we are now. Jasper is napping next to me. But I'm determined to finish this, & yes, it is Sunday. (1:55am. Monday really.) What??? My only day off each week from a million responsibilities. Certainly a sign that I am not well yet. I have not had a real vacation, or even a week off, in several years. There has been more to do than ever in my life. I did promise myself a time out next week. I may just rest next to the kitty. All... week... long.
VIDEO #2
LAZY PLAY SUNDAY... Guaranteed smiles.
Click on the link below to view.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/GDGp3CB8KWneziqaA
VIDEO #3
JASPER CAT'S SIGNATURE FLIP ROLL...
Nine seconds of fun. Click on the link below to view.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/B9dJSpFWGXFtdZcv7
MORE UPDATES & PLANS...
RESUME ZOOM DANCE? I spell that reZoom.
I have been getting many requests for dance classes, privates, guest teaching, & hosting dances etc. I have taken a long time-out from teaching/ Zoom dance stuff; much longer than expected. (Although I really had no idea what to expect. And still don't.) Some people really miss seeing Jasper on Zoom. I'm ok with that. I'm working on a plan, developing ideas for different forms of dance (partnered & solo etc.). I'm open to feedback, if you have suggestions. Sadly, as the Covid situation is worsening in LA County & many other areas, Zoom is the safest option for now. Such a tricky situation, & so much responsibility, as I care about all of you. And everyone else. There is still a lot unknown, so I choose more caution for now. I have been in contact with our past venue managements, as they are hoping for my return. Figuring it all out piece by peace. Stay tuned for more info. Many new possibilities are simmering...
FACEBOOK POSTS
I took a 3 month break from all social media early on while recovering, & since then have been posting lots of memories etc. Please go to my FB wall & scroll down to see lots of fun pics, videos & posts etc. Although so bittersweet, the sharing of memories about Phil feels good. I also post stuff about nature, art, & cats etc. Please send me a friend request, if we are not already connected. FB link at the bottom.
WAYS TO HONOR PHIL
I'm getting some neat ideas for more ways of honoring Phil. Through different forms including stories/writing, photos, videos etc. Also open to ideas here... Stay tuned.
VIDEO #4:
PHIL & MINDIA'S LAST NIGHTCLUB 2-STEP
This has never been shared...
This video was taken from a private Zoom dance bday for a student last year. We were invited, & were asked to do a nightclub 2-step to a Beach Boys song.
Phil came up with "Surfer Girl" & we improvised. (We have an Ascap license to support artists.) Thanks so much to JF & HF. So grateful.
Click on the link below to view.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/cNEr7yjbLX1fUcDS6
NEW CREATIVE PROJECTS...
Time for me to re-invent myself in some important ways, including my biznest. Lately I've started working on a few creative projects that I feel excited about. I did have an art biz many years ago, & still enjoy playing with different forms... crafts & other fun stuff. One current project just might involve a four-legged.
***FREE GIFT IF YOU CAN GUESS WHAT IT MIGHT BE!***
Would love to hear from you (via email, FB private message, or text.)
Hoping I can complete this project, despite the ongoing challenges I'm facing. Working on it has been a vey uplifting way to connect to my playful spirit; very healing in itself. And I believe it will bring lots of good vibes to people when shared. Cheerleading for me to keep going is encouraged. :-)
So perhaps combining teaching dance with artwork/ creative adventures could be the right balancing act for these times.
DISCLAIMER: LEVITY
Growing up, my family always used humor, especially in challenging situations.
There was an honoring of the issues, but coming up for air with levity would follow. This is something that helps me in life so often. I told my brother last year that If I did not say anything funny for like a week, it would be time to really be concerned about me. ;-)
JASPER PHOTO... WITH A WIG, PLAYING AIR GUITAR
When Phil first passed away, my brother Russ flew to Cali from Florida to help me. Many tough moments, but I knew I could count on Russ for a few laughs. He grabbed my wig from Halloween 2020 & put it on. Did anyone recognize it from my Magician Mindia costume? Jasper was even perplexed. One thing Russ & I have in common is that Halloween is our favorite holiday. We could put all our stuff together & start a costume rental biz. (Not a bad idea at this point.) And I would encourage costuming & play all year long (as I always do). An assistant at my last Ophthalmologist's office said it best. "Halloween is not just a holiday. It is a lifestyle." Jada
Phil & Russ were like brothers. They had a very special relationship, & often got along better than Phil & I... Lol. (But they did not have a business together.) So sad that it has been a big loss for my brother too. So many of us are missing Phil. He was also very close with my dad. Many of you know that Phil lost both his parents at a very young age, so my dad was like a father figure to Phil over the years. My dad passed away about a year before Phil. During the period with dad's health issues, Phil was very supportive with all the Florida situation challenges. He did so much for my dad & brother. I hope Dad & Phil are still chatting about sports in heaven.
HOW CAN YOU BE SUPPORTIVE IN THESE DIFFICULT TIMES?
PEOPE ARE STILL ASKING HOW THEY CAN HELP. XO
STAY CONNECTED:
Being in touch with my dance family brings comfort. Messages (via email, FB, or text), cards (see mailing address below), prayers, etc. go a long way. Please forgive me if it takes a bit for me to respond back to you; been overwhelmed with so much.
DONATE:
Still welcoming donations, for many expenses, bills, & the future of Phil and Mindia Dance etc. The pandemic has filled my recovery with so many more issues. But please only donate if it is comfortable for you... as I understand many are going through much hardship. See payment options below.
ORDER DANCE DVDs... Name your price.
SUMMER SPECIAL DONATION OFFER (through Labor Day)
I have a limited number of Beginner & Intermediate West Coast Swing DVDs that Phil & I made years ago. Thanks Doug Silton. Perhaps I could auction them off, starting at a million? Such sweet memories of Phil & I teaching, & cool moves to practice. DVDs make great gifts too. See more info below in DVD section (DVD cover pics etc.). See payment options below. Contact me to order. NOTE: If you want DVDs... I will mail the next shipments starting Monday, August 16th. Sorry for any delays.
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
One payment option: Here is a donation button to click for PayPal credit card. (donation and/ or DVDs). Or see other donation options below.
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=7Q7QFZTTKFN4L&source=url
SUPPORT MY UPCOMING CREATIVE PROJECTS & DANCE OFFERINGS
Stay tuned for more info...
FACEBOOK SUPPORT ALWAYS APPRECIATED
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM
I'm planning to do more postings soon. Please enjoy the posts I did in 2020. Adding likes & comments, as well as watching video posts, is helpful. Thanks in advance. ;-)
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REMINDER: CHECK OUT FUN "CALL YOU OUT" & "SONG PICKS" BELOW!!!
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MORE OPTIONS TO OFFER DONATION SUPPORT:
You can choose to make a donation, to help me through this difficult time. Also to help the future of Phil and Mindia Dance.
1. VENMO
Download the Venmo app (free) on your cell phone. Search
@MindiaRobin (Last four digits of Mindia's phone number 5690)
***In the comment section, please note: Donation***
2. PAYPAL
Download the Paypal app (free) on your cell phone. Search
@MindiaRobin
***In the comment section, please note: Donation***
3. ZELLE
Download the Zelle app (free), or access through your bank.
Search: MindiaRobin@gmail.com 310-993-5690
***In the comment section, please note: Donation***
4 . MAIL A CHECK
payable to Mindia Robin, PO BOX address:
Mindia Robin
11138 East Del Amo Blvd. #175
Lakewood, CA 90715
5. CREDIT CARD DONATION
We also have set up a credit card donation option:
CALL YOU OUT!
I'm calling out Jasper Cat for all those Zoom Dance videobombs in 2020. Hope you got to see some of the fun video clips. I re-posted some on FB recently. Also you can go to archived newsletters on our website to view past newsletters, if you missed any.
TUNE-UP YOUR PLAYLIST!
Song pic of the month...
"NEW DAY" by Danny Gokey
INTERNATIONAL FLASHMOB/ RALLY WEST COAST SWING 2021
The International routine was recently released... very late this year. It normally takes students about 3 months to learn it. The French couple, Olivier & Virginie Massart, had another baby recently. They have been just a little busy.
The routine is another fun one. To get myself dancing more, I'm learning the routine. I'm on Part D. To dance alone is great practice for many reasons. Although very bittersweet, as I miss so many people & so many things. And where is Phil? But Jasper always seems to come keep me company when I dance. He's into the groove. I could teach him the followers part, & then lead him. You know I like to do switcheroo. I'm open to future possibilities with all the dance stuff...
ONGOING STUFF
OUR IMPROV EXHIBITION OF WEST COAST SWING...
PERFORMED AT THE SPRING BALL, HOSTED by SOUTH BAY DANCE CLUB on MAY 18th, 2018 (Ayres Hotel)!
Thanks so much to Linda & Marie for inviting us to perform at their fun, classy event. Thanks so much to Mike Lucek for the video! More videos & pics are on our FB.
PROMO & ADVERTISING HELPERS!
If anybody wants to help with promoting & advertising resources, please let me know.
DANCE DVDs... SUMMER SPECIAL DONATION OFFER: Name your price
(through Labor Day)
Two DVDs are available, Beginner & Intermediate West Coast Swing. You can offer a donation & use a credit card through our web store, or use other payment options listed above. Message me with questions and/ or orders. More info about payment (donations) below. Patterns are listed on the website (Store page). DVDs make great gifts too. NOTE: If you want DVDs... I will mail the next shipments starting Monday, August 16th. Sorry for any delays.
PAYMENT/ DONATION INFO
Dance DVSs were originally $35 each (plus tax).
Credit card payments are available through our web store. If you order your DVDs through our website, you can have them shipped. Or use other payment options listed above. Shipping for one DVD costs about $5 or $6, plus my trip to the USPS.
*NOTE* If you want DVDs... I will mail the next shipments starting Monday, August 16th. Sorry for any delays.
Please visit www.PhilAndMIndiaDance.com for more info. Send me a Facebook friend request if you want to be informed/ updated by my Newsfeed and wall posts. FB link below.
Hope to see you dancing somehow soon, lots of love to all,
Mindia & Jasper Cat :-)))