To all from whom I've taken or will take classes/workshops with. To all whom I haven't yet been able to but hope to do so.

Thank you.

I realized today that all of the instructors I have had have given me a gift. They each have bestowed upon me the love of an art form I might otherwise never have attempted. They have all contributed, in some way, some knowledge that was hard-earned and they so generously chose to share it.

From the first time I ever set foot into Mara's class at Parks and Rec. center in Scottsdale.... her instantaneous smile and contagious positive energy planted a little seed in me.

To Zina, who first taught me double veils. Thanks for the bout of near-sea-sickness, but it was sooooo worth it. You are a wonder with veils and I strive to be more like you.

To Helena, who has given me a gift of her grace, her regal stage presence, and a "wow" factor that makes me want to be more like her.

To Jazmin, whose abilities never cease to amaze me. The one woman I've seen dance (brilliantly) to only the sound of her own zills.

To Mahin, who I haven't yet had a lesson from, but who was honest enough to tell me when I needed help with my own zilling.

And the Boz Man... Jim, you never cease to make me laugh, to add to my already colorful vocabulary, and leave me with something I need to work on.

To Ava. What can I say about Ava that hasn't already been said a million times? She has (and thankfully, continues to) force me to microfocus on the little nuances of movements that I wasn't even aware existed. She's always patient with my never-ending stream of questions.

Each one of you has given me a gift. In your own little way, each of you has made me grow just a tiny bit as a dancer. I am forever grateful and humbled. Your opinions matter to me.

To all instructors out there... the REAL instructors.... you know, not the youtube "watch me!" girls.... those of you who really study the art, the culture, and choose to share what you've learned. You have my utmost admiration and I (loudly) applaud you.