Dancing in the NY streets

“If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward you are always in the same place.”

Okay enough about me, how are you? I won’t be jetting back and forth more than once or twice, but do we get you here for a bit longer?

I’m alright.  I have exams at the end of the month, and as long as I pass them, I have the opportunity to stay on and take more classes.  But they are also holding open company auditions starting next week, and I’m doing that as well.  So if either of those pan out, then I will be here until the holidays and then back the end of January for exams if I take more classes.  

They have me going on a mini press junket here and in LA just to perform but thats it. I told them I wanted a break and thats what I am gonna get. I am also working on a few things, hoping that it all falls together.

Good luck with all of that then. Hopefully you won’t be jetting back and forth too much.  

It is official! My album is done! Now I may not be touring but I am so proud of this one! So in celebration if we go out, drinks are on me!

@atfgstarters​

That’s great news Mercedes.  I’m so happy for you.  So what’s next for you now that it’s done?  

Well, I mean, not that long, I’m not 80 or anything. But yeah, a while for sure. Maybe so, but then again in a city this big, I’d say we’re still pretty much on even footing. But, I’ve got a few haunts I’ve come to appreciate, if you’re ever looking for something to do on a Saturday night. I am too, fun seems to be sorely lacking from my vocabulary as of late, it seems all I do is work, work, and more work. Not that I mind- building an empire and all that. So you are still kind of thinking about going back, if you have to? Hopefully there will be room. It’s never fun, splitting up the friend group. We see too little of each other as-is. 

I can’t help but feel like every day counts when it comes to New York City.  Part of me wishes I could say my Saturday nights are exciting, but generally I’m just resting.  I have a workshop from 9-1 most Saturdays and it can be draining.  I’ve taken in a couple of performances while I’ve been here though.  The art scene is more eclectic here.  Yeah, it’s one of those trade off things for the most part.  It is there.  I can go back and not have to reaudition if I return within six months.  I can so a smaller--- not audition-- but proving myself, if I return within a year.  After a year, I would basically be starting over from scratch.  It’s a hard thing to just...walk away from.  We will see what happens.  I have a couple of auditions for different things here coming up right away.  

Alright so go with me on this- I wanted to announce that I’m having a nice little shindig at my place for the long, holiday weekend. I figure we’ll start things up at around 1:30 PM, and go until we can’t anymore! I’ll be firing up the grill, and taking care of all the food and drink items, so let me know if there’s something specific you’ll want. Otherwise, we’ll do the usual- burgers, dogs, grilled chicken, veggie skewers, potato salad, regular salad, slaw, green beans, the works. Of course we’ll have an open bar, so no worries there. I’m asking anyone who wants to, to bring a dessert of some kind, but if you show up empty-handed you won’t be heckled. Let me know if you want to swing by, there’s plenty to do. And, I’ve got a pool, so bring those suits to enjoy one of the last warm days of the year. 

@atfgstarters​

That’s a really great and generous offer Oliver.  I am going to have to take you up on it.  I’m not much of a baker, or maker of desserts, but maybe I’ll bring a  box or two of popsicles, a throwback to summers long ago.  It’ll be a great way to relax after this week and the early part of this weekend.

It appears as though everyone will be partaking in thrilling plans this weekend. Congratulations. I extend my sincerest hopes you all enjoy yourselves. I, however, will be spending the majority of the weekend finishing the book I have been reading on WWI, as well as finishing a much-anticipated documentary on the French Revolution. Happy Holidays, I suppose.  @atfgstarters​

Well that sounds like a heavy, but interesting way to spend your long weekend.  What pov is the book on WWII from?  

Following her phone’s GPS, Lili arrived at the restaurant to meet Mike right on time. Glancing around, she searched for him in the crowd, double-checking that she’d put in the correct address when she spotted him hanging back, in a corner booth nearby. “Hey, Mike!” She called, waving as she wove through the bodies of other patrons. Discarding her purse in the seat next to her, she made herself comfortable as she gazed at him. “Oh my gosh, we were just saying it had been so long since we’ve seen each other, but you still look exactly like I remember! How’s the city treating you? Normally I say I know it’s a change, but you said you were in Chicago before, right? So, you’re probably pretty used to this kind of energy.”

@askthemike

Wowza, it has been a hot minute since I’ve posted any sort of update! But, I thought now would be a good time, with the long weekend! The trip to New York has been incredible, I’m honestly sad that we have to leave tomorrow. I fought coming out here for so long, but getting to experience the city with Brett has opened my eyes to how cool things around here are. I’m excited to get back to my students, and my house, but I think we’ll definitely be coming back before too long! I think we’re going to head to Oliver Bray’s cookout this afternoon, so if we haven’t had the chance to see each other during this visit yet, I definitely want to see you there!  @atfgstarters​

Dave... sorry I’ve missed you so far.  Glad you’ve enjoyed yourself though.  Guess that means I better get my butt to Oliver Bray’s cookout this afternoon.

Cool cool, I thought you might, but I wasn’t going to assume. Yeah, I’m here. I Haven’t been here long, just about 6 months, but I’m here. I was out in LA, but I figured it was time for a little expansion. Hells yes I am. I feel like it has been forever since we’ve had the chance to spend any real time together, I’m looking forward to changing that soon. I have to say, Chang, both performances were killer. I haven’t danced like that in so dang long I wondered if I had forgotten how. We should do stuff like that more often. Plus, it was neat getting to see all of Sam’s old friends again. 

Sure, it had been a long time.  Well, you’ve been here longer than I have, if it counts for anything.  I am sure that will change sooner than later. Thanks for that, Stacey.  Glad you were able to come out and join us, and have some fun.  And see people.  I’ll definitely have to throw another one together before I head back to Chicago if I end up going that route.  Although right now, I am thoroughly enjoying myself, so as long as there is room for me with the company, I think I am staying.  

You know what, you are right!  Count me in!

=Lili: You're right, you do. You don't have to explain though, I'm not judging.

Lili: Me too, Mike. It'll be a nice night, I'm sure of it.

Lili: That sounds amazing! Please do, I'll be there ASAP!

MIKE: Sometimes shit just happens like that. And sometimes sleep needs to happen.

MIKE: You're right, it will.

I don’t want to take away from you. 

Take away from me?  

Join you? I think you guys would like it better if I stayed in the crowd. 

↳ INSTAGRAM: @JOFFREYMC’s STORY: