Rachel That is a profoundly honest and courageous thing to say. Thank you for sharing. I can relate so much to what you say. NYC must be a desperately lonely place at lockdown and especially when you cannot express your passion and vocation. I would say that after a 56 year journey of doubt exploration and realisation that you might want to look in the mirror and see the person you are. Yes you are a dancer but that like beauty, and acne will pass. You may then redefine your self as a teacher or an entrepreneur but these are just roles. When you learn to be and see your self and like you then you will be happy or happier. The one thing I have discovered is life is tough the discipline and effort you have applied to your dance will help you throughout life deal with all the shit, heartache and disappointments AND make you appreciate those fleeting moments of joy, flow being in the zone, love and contentment. Just remember this too will pass as day follows night and sun follows rain. PS it is a great pic and it’s ok to be sad and capture it. Keep smiling I hope you find as much joy in photography as you do in your dance. PPS if you stay as open and honest in your writing you will be amazed how far it takes you. Those that mind don’t matter and those that matter will love you more for it.

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Love it! Keep dancing! You are moving toward the light!

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Beautiful summary of these challenging times. Nice work. When I first looked at it, I thought straightening the shot was needed. However, as you described it as your makeshift easel, it's beautiful as presented. Nice work.

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Lovely photo, Rachel! I initially thought it was overly dark, but then after reading your description, the image instead stood out as lonely, sad, and moody. The darker image, expression, and yet attempt at maintaining the dance posture make for a powerful image. Thank you for sharing your vulnerablity with us!

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