June 19, 2010

To Funkanometry, dear friends, and dance community members:

You may be aware that tomorrow (actually today) is The Sockhop showcase.  I’m writing to let you know that this will be my last Sockhop.  This announcement may not come as a surprise to many of you, considering the fact that I’ve been noticeably less present the past 6 months, but this is my official goodbye, as I am stepping down as Executive Director of Funkanometry SF Dance Company.  Funkanometry has been my LIFE for the past 6 years (moreso than I ever would’ve imagined), but alas, it is time for me to move on…

I was appointed director of Funkanometry SF when I was in my Junior Year at UC Berkeley as a young 20-yr old college girl with huge optimism, passion for the team, and motivation to contribute.  It seems like it’s been forever since then.  Over the years I’ve witnessed many company members come and go, two large exoduses (followed by two great comebacks!), our company doubling in size, and many struggles and hard times, as every close team or family experiences.  But the GOOD TIMES and GOOD PEOPLE are what have kept me here for so many years.

I’ve learned and grown SO MUCH from this company, and for that I am extremely grateful beyond words.  I can honestly say that I would not be the person I am today without Funkanometry having been a part of my life.  But here we are in 2010.  The year has been full of blessings so far.  Nonetheless, I’ve come to realize that it’s a very new generation of the dance community, and as such, it’s time for a new generation of leaders.  It’s time for a new leader to take the reigns and take Funkanometry to its next milestone.

As for me, while I won’t be an active director anymore, I will continue to contribute to the dance community, just through different means and different projects.  I will also continue working at my current full-time job as the Outreach Associate at Streetside Stories, a local literacy arts nonprofit, as well as catching up with people in my life that I’ve put second to Funks every since I became director.   Also, I want to dance again. For the past 6 months, I haven’t had the time or the motivation to dance at all, which is sad considering it was once my greatest passion.  Hopefully now I’ll have the time to enjoy dance the way I used to when I first started, instead of thinking of it as work.

And as for the position — we will be opening up the ED position to an open application process. The Funks Board of Directors will be conducting interviews of potential candidates, and then we will have a panel discussion with a few current company members to discuss the final applicants. Keep up to date with our website if you’re interested in applying.

Lastly, I want to say thank you to Funkanometry and the entire dance community for welcoming me with open arms and allowing me to be a part of something so amazing and powerful as this community.  Leading such an influential and inspirational company was a truly humbling experience, and every single person I have met throughout the years has been a blessing to my life.  I’m excited to lead tomorrow’s Sockhop.  And even though it will be my last, I’ll be able to truly appreciate all that I have been blessed with.

And now for the mushy stuff…I want to thank a few of you individually, because without you, dance would not be dance — as I know it at least…

Kyle Lin – Thank you…Thank you for trusting me to take over your company and for giving me the opportunity to challenge myself and grow. Most of all, thank you for always being a great friend, and for being there for me and supporting me always. Ninjas for life!!
Emerson – My gay husband! You will always have a special place in my heart.  Thank you for trusting me as well, and for letting me into your life.  I admit, I always did feel special that you were my business partner and co-director, and I’m so thankful to have gotten to know you so well over the past 4 years.  Hopefully now we’ll have more time to just kick it and chill, instead of always having to have business meetings. I miss those days.
Maricha, MJ, Julia, Ana – My female warrior leaders and inspirations. You helped show me how to be a strong woman, and I love you all from the bottom of my heart. You are my greatest strengths and pillars.
Glory – My boo! I’ll always be here for you, and thank you for always being there for me, ever since high school!  I’ve always admired your strength, honesty, and perseverance. I have no doubt in my mind that you will do amazing things in dance, and in life. I luffs you!
Janet, JP, Gigi and Funks LA – Thank you for paving the way. Funks SF would not be here today without you having built such a strong foundation, and I’m forever grateful for it. You created an amazing legacy, and I am so honored to just have been a part of it.
“Funks SD” / PGN – Stay strong and keep going! I’m so proud of where you have come, and I’m proud of your strength through all the hard times! You will always be a part of the Funks family.
Anna & Arnel – Mentors and leaders. Thank you for all that you have done for this community, and for what you continue to do to this day. Many people don’t realize how much you really contribute, but I know one day your karma points will kick in. You are true leaders for the dance community and I’ve learned a lot from you both.
Irene & Margaret – Thank you for supporting me by joining our Board. You have always been mentors to me, and having your support gave me 100x more confidence to succeed. I’m thankful that this will still be the case after I leave = )
Ellen, Adela, Rocko, Mari, Slimmy, Rogel, Bibi, Elisa, Krystal, Julio, Darryl, Jovver, Val, Amber and old school Funks Alumni – I love you all and I will always miss those amazing years we had together.  Each of you will always have a special place in my heart.
Aysha, Lacy, Bree, Char – My Philippines ladies! One of the best trips of my life. Thank you for always being amazing friends and being able to lend an ear when I needed you. There will be many more days (and nights!) together with us. I know it ; )
Sandy – Thank you for your continued support of me and Funks! We would not have been able to achieve the growth and success of the Funkbrella without you. You’ve always been a source of strength and reassurance for me, and I’m so glad that we are friends!
De La Femme & Project EM – I am still in awe at how far both of your teams have come, and I still can’t believe it’s been 2 years.  Watching you all tonight at the Welcome Dinner, I can see that you have found yourselves and know who you are as a team. I’m so happy for that, and I know you will do amazing things in the future.
Funksters – You ARE the heart of Funks SF. Ever since we started your program in 2005, I knew that we had started something amazing.  And now, the program has reached something spectacular, and each and every one of you embodies the FUNKS LOVE that we were founded on. Keep that. Don’t forget it. And always remember Krystle’s words to stay ‘Passionate, driven and humble.” You’ll go far in dance with that mentality.
Odds/old Funksters – You are the FUTURE of Funks. Don’t forget that, and don’t be afraid to take the reigns and make it your own. This is YOUR company now and you have so much potential and talent.  Keep the same fun and light Odds mentality and apply it to Funks.   Keep looking to the future and don’t look back. I promise you will go far!

And to the FUTURE members of Funkanometry – Don’t EVER forget – FUNKS IS LOVE.  Don’t forget your roots, why we started, and what we were founded on.  Embrace this Funks love and embody it every time you step into the studio. Pretty soon your energy will be contagious, and you’ll find everyone else around you catching on. Lead the way.

And now, I’m off to bed, and I look forward to having one of the best Sockhop shows ever!  Thank you everyone for your hard work and for allowing me to lead you these past 4 years.

With ALL my love,

Gina Mariko Rosales