Since the great lockdown of Spring, 2020, Maria’s belly dancing group has not had a place to meet.

She has missed the dancing greatly. Yesterday the group met in Vermont to talk  – all properly distanced, of course – and Maria invited them to practice at Bedlam Farm.

We have no neighbors to pry, plenty of space to dance, and distance. Everybody jumped at the idea. Someone in the group suggested Maria ask me if it was okay, but Maria laughed and said she didn’t need to ask me (which is true) and she knew I would be thrilled (and I am.)

The group has several possible places to dance in the Fall, but nothing right away. How great that this can happen all summer on our farm. The donkeys love to hear music.

Belly dancing has transformed Maria in some ways, it is so important to her now. I think she really found herself in that group, it was as if she had been waiting for years to do it.

I will not intrude on the practice, I might go and put out some water and cookies, but otherwise, I will hole up in my study and be invisible.

I’m so happy she will be dancing again, she cries for joy when she even thinks about it.

I am so impressed with these women. The dancing is all about empowerment, voice, and self-esteem. They just glow with pride and identity when they dance.

Practice starts next week, a great honor for the farm and a great gift to Maria.