About Black Hand Dance Excellence

The name "Black Hand Dance Excellence" is derived not from race, ethnicity or proficiency in dancing but rather from the vibrant spirit that permeates the community. It embodies Beauty, Love, Amazingness, Compassion, and Kindness. This reflects my personal experience and journey.

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A Love Letter to Hand Dance

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Dear Hand Dance,

 

I still vividly remember the day we first crossed paths at the Solar Eclipse in Washington, DC, many years ago. Back in my younger days, I was naive and didn’t quite appreciate or see the beauty of what was being taught. My struggles with patience, commitment, and various distractions made it challenging for me to truly value and appreciate you.

 

Time has a wonderful and unique way of transforming everything, and thanks to this beautiful gift of ‘time”, I've had the chance to see and rediscover the beauty of Hand Dance all over again!

 

Once again, the opportunity to participate in classes conducted by “The Master," Mr. Lawrence “Catfish” Bradford, profoundly transformed my life. Four weeks after the class began, he was hospitalized and ultimately transitioned to his eternal resting place. That moment began my commitment and love affair with Hand Dance. I committed myself to learning the art of Hand Dance. I reached out to different instructors to absorb as much knowledge as possible. I sensed a shift—passion, dedication, and steady effort were present. Subsequently, I received notification of being diagnosed with an illness myself. Fearing the uncertainties, dance class became my refuge, a space for tranquility where I could calm my racing thoughts about my health struggles. This was the moment I truly embraced the “BLACK” experience, the Beauty, Love, Laughter, Amazing, Awesomeness, Comfort, Compassion, and Kindness.

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Since I cannot personally thank “The Master” Mr. Lawrence “Catfish” Bradford, I chose to thank the community he helped cultivate. This is why the Black Hand Dance Excellence Gala has been created!

 

From this Gala, Black Hand Dance Excellence will award a selected number of dance scholarships to:

 

• An individual who might be going through an illness and needs to slow down their thoughts related to their health struggles.

• A retired individual who would like to join an accepting and loving community while learning the art of hand dance.

• A young individual who is interested in learning a new art form in hand dance.

• An individual who simply wants to step out of their comfort zone and learn the art of hand dance and join an amazing community.

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* This scholarship can be applied to the class of the awarded individuals’ choice.