Still bouncing around I ended up in Washington, D.C. at the Astor night club and
then on to Alexandria, Virginia. I spent a few short months in Dallas, TX. at the
Gold Finger where I met Vashti and Angelica who were very polished dancers.
I moved to Houston where I spent 6 more years in every night club that existed.
I then moved back to Dallas and again worked the Gold Finger.
On my very last performance, burnt out and ready to move to Florida, I noticed
a young couple watching my show intently. After the show, this wee slip of a girl
approached me saying she enjoyed my show and would I consider teaching her.
I was not a teacher, never had time for it. I was too busy working and bouncing.
She was intent. I thought about it and gave her my number . She came to my
apartment and said she really wanted to learn floor work. My thought at the time
was, “ya” right! I spoke to her about flexibility and showed her how to practice
“backwards” on a wall, walking up and down it with her hands and, that your eyes
are the first thing that should touch the floor so you know where to place your
hands. I taught her how to stretch out for the splits. If she was serious, she
would do it. I was skeptical but, damn if she didn’t come back sore and bowl-
legged, but she could do it! That was our beginning. In teaching her, she taught me
how to break down moves. I never thought about them, I just did them. She is really
technically minded with the ability to analyze anything and break it down. This is what
makes her a great teacher. This wee slip of a girl had dynamite in her and the balls of a bull.
I was impressed! Some twenty years later now, she still impresses me and I am proud to be
not only her teacher but life long friend to her whole family. She once told me that when
the student was ready the right teacher would appear. Who knew she would catch me
on that last night of my career and become the artist she is today? Over the years and in different
places I had the opportunity to introduce her to “almost” everyone I have written about
and they loved her. I even took her to see 8th Ave. where Greek Town U.S.A and the old Britania was.
Here is one picture in Houston when she met Zoraida.
Has she told you about my pet peeve and ducks? LOL
With Love, Zeyna
Leave a Reply