DT grand opening
Last Saturday afternoon a handful of us were at the Downtown studio rolling up rugs and lighting candles and hanging a disco ball and picking up snacks in anticipation of our Grand Opening party. There was energy in the air and feelings of excitement and curiosity about what the night would be like. We knew that 130 people had rsvp’d ‘yes’ to the event with dozens more off-the-record intentions to join the party. But would anyone actually show up? Would too many people show up? Would anyone actually want to dance? Would we have enough food? Would it be a total flop?
Our first guests showed up at 4:50pm and the door was steadily swinging open for the next 4 hours as people came and went. Jess had her station at the door checking ID’s and stamping hands with the zebra stamp we borrowed from Bom Dia while Elizabeth and I spun around and around the space to say hello to every guest and Kelley cleaned up spilled drinks. Our friends at Cocktail Mary poured fluorescent blue margaritas and Victoria ran over to Benkay 3 times for more sushi. Our friend Pika set up some low key beats as a hundred or so people cycled in and out mingling downstairs in the lobby and a crew of kids played dodgeball in the studio space. And then at 7pm we excused the children, took off our shoes, and Pika took up residence behind the table. The beat dropped and didn’t stop while over 50 people danced (and danced and danced).
Elizabeth, Jess, and I texted each other the next morning about our favorite exchanges, silliest moments, and pure joy over how the entire evening went.
The general tone of our exchange was wide eyed wonder…what have we done?
What have we done to create a business that is not only a business but a community of people who are kind and curious and strong and interesting and weird and generous? A community of people who showed up in droves to mingle with each other and dance their faces off at a silly little studio opening party. It’s almost like they don’t just come to PYP to take class but to actually connect with other people in meaningful ways?
I took several opportunities to pause throughout the evening and look around at all of the familiar faces, the new ones, and the way that everyone looked so damn happy and at ease. What I saw on people’s faces and in their bodies throughout the night was belonging.
Elizabeth, Jess, and I can only take the most minimal credit for this community of belonging. And the extent to which we can take credit is mostly based on our own longing, idiosyncrasies, and aspirations to belong to a community in which we each feel at home.
And that’s what the Downtown Grand Opening felt like. Home.
p.s.
did you know that PYP members get 15% off at Bom Dia? And a whole bunch of other discounts for goods and services around town!!
