Dancing through life, the final 31 days of 2020. —Day 10—
Today I found out that one of my college dance professors passed away and it made me so sad. 2020 has lost so many amazing humans that brought light and happiness to their families, friends and communities. My dance professor, Israel ‘El’ Gabriel, was definitely one of a kind. He was a legend, a character, hilarious, tough and caring all at the same time. When he would very loudly call out my name, people told me that it sounded like he was saying Shana. A memory I will never forget—One day he said to me “Shana, you need to keep your pointe. You will be the principal soloist in a dance company someday.” I didn’t believe him, I thought he was exaggerating. I didn’t see how it was possible. He believed in me during a time that I didn’t. Imagine my enlightenment when I realized I am in fact a pointe soloist for a dance company and he was right. He saw the potential in me and predicted the future. Always listen to what the legends say because they are usually right.
One of my most prized treasures is a shirt that was made by Bare Bones Dance Company during college. It has the top 10 quotes by El Gabriel on the back. When I find it, I will share this priceless treasure so you can also get a glimpse of this dance legend. In honor of Israel ‘El’ Gabriel, RIP.
ID: [Picture of Zahna with hair down wearing a magenta leotard, flowy chiffon white dance skirt knee length in pointe. Her left foot is propped on pointe and she is leaning towards the foot with the other foot flat. Background is a park in San Francisco with a light pole, houses, the sutro tower partially visible through fog/clouds and twin peaks.]
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