2. A History Lesson in Two Phases

Let's take it from the top! My first few posts are going to be a history lesson, mostly so I can keep everything straight. You have to look back to get where you're going sometimes. I moved to NYC in 2006. I was 17 and attending the School of Visual Arts. I was completely and totally naive and loving every minute of it! I bought a fake ID when they were still being sold in souvenir shops around Times Square. I wore leg warmers and denim skirts to go out. I was a small town girl in the city and didn't know any better. I also couldn't handle my liquor. 

 

I also had a short-lived career as a beauty queen. First runner up ain't too shabby. I'm convinced I was robbed of the title. But I digress..

After a year at SVA, I took time off from school to teach ballroom and Latin dance in Queens at Martinez Dance Studios. After that, I worked the coat check at Cheetah's strip club (while my mom worked in the dressing room in the back doing hair) blah, blah, blah. 

Then, something happened around 2009... I became what I always thought was a "cool" person. I met people who went out every night and didn't have real jobs. They were all in bands, didn't exactly have apartments of their own, and always looked fabulous! So, in my own way, I became part of that crowd. I went through my promiscuous phase (to say the absolute and very least). I showed up to clubs, cut the line with a promoters name, drank bottles for free, and sized everyone and their outfits up with the best of them. It was all very glamorous and very stupid... When hanging out with the self-involved, it's always best to be completely self-aware. You can easily participate, dance, and make "friends," but always be aware that this is not the end result for you. You have places to go and people to meet - in reality. The promoter/ musician/ club scene is not that. A few photos for supporting evidence:

Man, I thought I was too cool for school - but you know what, I also had a great time, so who cares. I snapped out of it within 6 months. Stay tuned to find out what happened next!