My EDCLV experience - Day Zero
I gave myself a full day in Las Vegas to get settled before meeting up with anyone that I had plans to see, and it was surreal to be able to wander around and feed my mind (or clear it) at any time I wanted. I was worried I might have felt out of place or isolated, but it was a warm and magical feeling. And then Thursday came.
It's been nearly 2 years since I did my first "shuffle challenge" group where I was virtually introduced to some of the loveliest people. Ever since I got that exposure, I was drawn to the idea of attending a festival where I could actually share a space with people who shared this passion and love for expression. Another part of the reason I made the decision to get tickets was the possibility of taking a class in person with Vanesa Seco before the festival. At that time it seemed so totally new and different than anything I had ever planned to do, but the more I considered it the more it felt like I couldn't resist the temptation of making this dream a reality.
Not only did I get to meet Christy, who introduced me to the shuffle group chats on Instagram where I connected with so many others that have influenced my life, but I also met Frances, who had been the first person to encourage me to make the trip and invite me to spend time with her since I was planning on going alone. And we all got to take class together with Adrian, another OG from the group chat I was welcomed into.
I don't know what else to say other than this was a full-circle moment. All the weeks of catching up with people from all over the world who are brought together by the love of music, dance, and art convinced me that I was meant for this kind of experience. And all the hours on my own watching Vanesa's online classes during one of the most challenging and uncertain periods of my life had empowered and prepared me to make this trip so I could be united with the sources of my inspiration, dance my heart out, and open myself up to receive the loving energy that this experience generated.
My heart was overflowing AND THE FESTIVAL HADN'T EVEN STARTED. Day 0 was pure magic. What followed was truly from another world.
Stay tuned for Day 1 of EDCLV 2021.