If I could go anywhere this Summer I’d escape this concrete jungle and its wild life to disappear into the jungles of Costa Rica with all its natural wildlife. But I’d need land and a small compound of container homes. One would be a double decker living space featuring a rooftop deck for writing, daydreaming, sky gazing and complete stillness. Another container would be converted into a fully equipped Gratz Pilates studio ‘cause m’life can’t happen without Pilates. And of course, I’d have to have kickass internet service so I could continue training virtually with my favorite Pilates teachers.

If I were to attend Summer school I’d study  acting. Yep, ever since the days of “Fame!”, “Cosby Show” and “A Different World” I’ve secretly (or maybe not so secretly) wanted to become an actor. But because there were so few Black folks in TV & film, it didn’t seem like a dream worth fighting for. And back in the day, I always thought there were prettier and more talented Black girls out there. So I never pursued it. But I’ve always been intrigued by character development, storytelling, and artistic collaboration.

My ideal Summer camp would offer everything that brings me joy; writing, movement, and community in a beautiful outdoor setting. My day would begin by waking up in my yurt, tiny home or container home – without an alarm. Sitting beneath a canopy of trees while sipping hot cacao from my favorite mug, I’d pour my uncensored thoughts and emotions into my journal. Then I’d meet up with the rest of the single, middle-aged campers for Pilates Mat class which is the perfect warm-up for a day of aerial arts activities. This camp would attract the kinda Gen Xers that are unashamed of our super-hero fantasies and big kid energy.

This year, Summer fun looks like… connecting with myself & my community outdoors. I’m gonna spend hours at Fort Greene Park – right near my crib – to contemplate life as I watch kids fly by on scooters with wide eyes and ear to ear grins. I’ll observe the quirky personalities of all the neighborhood dogs as they live their best off-leash life, while listening to drum circles under old majestic trees. And have long conversations with friends under the sun until it decides to set. 

Summer fun is music festivals, block parties, rooftop parties and reunions with old friends.

My favorite Summer memory is every Summer spent in NYC to study dance. I was lucky enough to train at Dance Theater of Harlem, Alvin Ailey School of Dance, and Broadway Dance Center. This small-town girl had been fascinated with the NYC dance scene since the tv show “FAME!” debuted in 1982. I dreamed of attending the “Fame!” school (LaGuardia High) and performing full-on production numbers on cafeteria tables. But my Summers spent in sweaty dance studios full of grit, discipline, and determination sufficed. I absolutely loved spending every day fully immersed in dance culture.

I am committed to a lifetime of fitness for function, fun, and adventure! I wanna pole dance when I’m sixty… jump out of a plane when I’m seventy… and zip-line through the jungles of Costa Rica when I’m eighty. #claimingit So before the weight of gravity continues to humble my ambitions any further, I’m fighting back with movement!