| Hallie Kuperman and Alison Cockrill. Photo Dean Rutz / The Seattle Times |
| The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away. —Pablo Picasso |
“Watching owner Hallie Kuperman and partner Alison Cockrill take center stage under a warm spotlight was like watching a fairy tale,” wrote photographer Dean Rutz, who captured the above shot* at the Century Ballroom. “Something beautiful and fanciful. The pair waltzed across the floor as a loving clientele watched in silent delight. That one dance bookended a place and time and affection not likely to be recaptured again.”
I delighted coming across it in the Pacific NW Pictures of the Year 2025 spread (in last Sunday’s Seattle Times). Truth be told, I was searching for inspiration on what to write during this time, as we anticipate deliverance from old to new. Intuition told me there must be a dance-related photo and, sure enough, there was former Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett dancing in his architectural artwork, “Night Chapel.” Well, I thought, there’s a story.
Then I turned the page and beheld this glorious photo of Hallie and Alison doing what they do, being fabulous. And while many would agree they’re truly special humans, and we’re grateful for all they’ve done for our dance community, they’re just doing what we all do. Dancing, as lovingly and splendidly as they can. It’s inspiring, witnessing a dance well done.
Dean Rutz’s words, I thought, were moving. I’d insist, however, that place and time and affection will never again be recaptured. Thankfully, it needn’t be. True, the Century Ballroom was once in a lifetime. Each of us who dance, though, carry this seed of magic, this presence, and dancing regularly affords chances to create beauty and reverence. Aspiring dancers don’t care how accomplished we are, they see our passion and joy. They’re likely not so much judging as wishing they, too, could connect and move with someone to a sweet melody.
In the new year, therefore, go forth. Work at your dance craft and share your magic seed, planting it in the hearts of aspiring dancers everywhere. Lift your gaze to focus less on your insecurities and shortcomings and more on helping others feel as, perhaps, one might upon seeing Hallie and Alison. Inspired. Cherished. Beloved.
Reach out and share your gift for dance at one of the exciting New Year’s Eve events, take an exciting new class in January, or attend a dance new to you. The needful world awaits. Find events online at the Dance Calendar.
See you on the dance floor —Sean Donovan
*Taken at Masquerade XV, January 31, 2025.