dancing in the dark

INTRODUCTION —

Trigger warnings: cancer, death, depression

The eldest of 3 siblings, Qui had something of an unconventional upbringing. Her parents were entertainers and constantly traveled with their kids in tow. Qui’s mother was an opera singer, and her father was a gifted pianist. They performed around the world, keeping their children by their side. They were passionate about their careers, but also their family. All 3 children were bright and loving. They didn’t mind constantly being on the move, because they always had each other to turn to. Being immersed in the world of entertainment, Qui was introduced to a variety of different art forms. She found herself developing a strong curiosity towards dancing. Ballet, tap, jazz, ballroom dancing, belly dancing, Qui wanted to learn it all. Her parents only encouraged their daughter’s new passion and encouraged her to pursue her dreams.

Qui was 14 when her parents eventually retired from the performing arts and decided to move to the states for a new life. They settled in the city of Woodisde, opening a music store. Qui’s interest in dancing never wavered. She continued to practice and perform as often as she could. Her commitment to dance started to interfere with her school life. Qui’s grades were dropping and she was constantly getting into trouble for skipping class. Getting a high school education didn’t seem necessary in her eyes. She was going to be a performer. Her mother and father hated the idea of taking away the very thing Qui loved, but they also felt her education was more important than dancing. They told her until she could get her grades up, they wouldn’t help support her passion any longer. Qui was furious with her parents and acted out to release that anger. She eventually got herself kicked out of high school after missing so many days, and causing so much trouble on the days she actually showed up. Her parents were at a loss as to what they should do to try and turn Qui around, causing tensions in the family to grow over time. 

At the age of 20, she left Woodside and moved to Las Vegas. After arriving in Vegas, Qui found work as a tattoo model to support herself. Her dream was to take her dancing to the big stage and see her name in lights. It was during her modeling career that Qui met a well-known photographer, Gregory. They clicked instantly and eventually fell for each other. Some people questioned Qui’s true intentions for being with Gregory. He was much older than her and came from a considerable amount of wealth. Rumors swirled that she was a gold digger, looking to steal Gregory’s fortune. The couple ignored the whisperings behind their backs and remained committed to one another. They eventually married, moving to France after her new husband was offered a job working as a photographer for Vogue France. Qui loved her life overseas. Her marriage was thriving and she became a popular performer in clubs around Paris.

It was years later into their marriage when Gregory suddenly became ill. The couple found out that he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Qui remained by her husband’s side throughout his entire battle with the disease. Only a year after being diagnosed, Gregory lost his fight to the cancer that had taken over his body. Qui was devastated. She stopped performing and shut herself away from the world, falling into a deep depression. She hid inside her home for months, keeping herself close to anything that reminded her of Gregory. Close friends of Qui eventually convinced her that Gregory wouldn’t want her to waste her life away. As hard as the idea was to fathom, she had to let go of her husband and move on with her life.

Feeling that nothing was keeping her attached to France any longer, Qui decided it was time to head back home. She returned to Woodside after being gone for twenty years. After getting settled back into the small city, Qui decided to focus on the next chapter of her life. She was going to open her own dance studio. Qui poured all her time and attention into getting the studio ready. She wanted a place for residents to come and learn all the wonderful forms of dance. Months of hard work and Qui’s dance studio, Rhythm Rhapsody, was ready to open.