In the heart of Los Angeles, the Disney Concert Hall stands as a stunning monument to creativity and innovation, its gleaming stainless steel curves reflecting light and creating shadows. Whenever I attend a concert there, I go to the Blue Ribbon Garden on an upper terrace of the building. On one of my last visits, I snapped this image to capture this compelling interplay between shadow and light. I see a duality that speaks to our journeys and the essence of Essentrics. This transformative movement practice embraces the full spectrum of our physical and emotional selves.

The concert hall, designed by the visionary Frank Gehry, uses light not just to illuminate but to inspire. The way light flows across its surface creates a dynamic environment, shifting with the time of day and the seasons. Similarly, in Essentrics, we explore how movement can be a form of expression, revealing the hidden depths within us. Just as the light highlights the hall’s unique design, our movements can illuminate the beauty of our bodies, reminding us that every curve and angle has its place in the dance of life.

Essentrics encourages us to move fluidly, releasing tension as we tap into our body’s innate wisdom. Just like the concert hall’s design invites us to explore its nooks and crannies, our practice invites us to explore our bodies, paying attention to the areas where shadows linger—those tight muscles and blockages. As we stretch and strengthen, we cultivate an awareness that helps us shine brighter in our daily lives, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.

In conclusion, let us find inspiration in the dance of shadow and light, both in the beauty of the Disney Concert Hall and in the transformative journey of Essentrics. May we learn to appreciate the contrasts that make us who we are, moving gracefully through life, aware that both light and shadows play essential roles in our bodily symphony.

Yesterday, I finally checked out The Broad Museum of Modern Art in Downtown LA! I've always loved the way this building looks from the outside. It's made up of a cool design of long cylinders sticking out of a thick concrete wall, giving it a really unique, flowing vibe.

Once I got inside, I was super impressed—not just with the art (I saw works by Warhol, Lichtenstein, Basquiat, and more), but also with the architecture. The cool lace-like look of the outside wraps around the ceiling, letting in some fantastic natural light. It creates this beautiful contrast with the sleek, white gallery walls that don't quite reach the ceiling. In some spots, especially near the front by South Grand Avenue, the reflected light from passing cars cast beautifully through the outside walls onto the ceiling, making little dancing patterns across the space. One of the best views was through a window that perfectly framed the curvy design of the Disney Concert Hall just across the street.

Being exposed to different ideas and creative expressions, whether from artists, architects, or even just people I meet, is always inspiring. I'm really grateful that I was entirely in the moment yesterday. It opened my eyes to so many opportunities around me, not just the usual stuff. I hope to bring that sense of adventure into my Essentrics classes and encourage you all to dig a little deeper and move beyond the usual limits. It's about knowing where you stand and also being open to all the cool things happening around us. Let's reflect, explore, and grow together!

One of my students is First Nation, and she shared with me the tradition of the Grass Dancers. They prepare the ceremonial grounds by dancing over the tall grasses and purifying the space. I hope you find ESSENTRICS as a way to prepare for your day. For more information and inspiration about grass dancers, click on the link below for a YouTube video.