The last 40.731506849 years of my life have been solid:
*** I got to grow up camping and riding dirt bikes with my family as we explored both northern Arizona and various Sonoran desert trails;
*** I played in a handbell choir where we played both at the 2002 Winter Olympics and onstage with Alice Cooper at his Christmas Pudding;
*** I've gotten to see the world over through that same handbell choir, through tours with my school vocal choirs, and through my times singing and dancing on ships;
*** I've been blessed with a family of beautiful people who have always supported and loved me throughout this journey of life (and I believe that they're the reason I've been able to find such good-natured and profound friendships).
I've had a lot of joys but, as with all adventures, the ride has had some bumps. The two most pronounced, to me, are:
*** I've managed a lifelong autoimmune disease - lupus - since I was in grade school, and the rashes, joint pain, poor circulation, inability to have prolonged exposure to the sun, and mood issues haven't always been too fun;
*** I spent nearly 15 years (age 11-26) of my life wishing that I had never been born and frequently contemplating suicide because I was physically attracted to men. This culminated in me becoming a missionary for the faith I was once a part of in hopes that I could martyr myself for God and go to heaven, instead of going to hell due to either (a) suicide or (b) being a bad person.
Despite any difficulty, the good in my life - especially the amazing people in my life - has far outweighed the bad.
I don't know what the next 40-60 years will bring (the men on both sides of my family tend to be a bit long-lived), but if they're anything like my last 40, then they're sure to be a wonderful adventure (and filled with great music and dance).
Current Playlist: "Fireside Tunes" /playlist/08mhHbIjMyByP7gp6vjf6Y?si=69a9beccc25a42b6
Jewelry: @vitaly
Photo: @nikkiritcher
#biggestlittleafro #positivethinking #positivity #positivevibes #reno #mementomori #carpediem #westernstyle #outfits #theclothesmaketheman #dance #style #vitalydesign
I like playing dress up.
In the past, I liked playing dress up because (1) it let me feel like I could be fearless when meeting new people (instead of shy); (2) it let me feel like I could be suave and debonaire (instead of socially awkward); and (3) it let me feel like I could have the various parts of my life fit together as well as a nicely coordinated outfit:
In short, I liked playing dress up because it let me feel like I could eventually be somebody other than me.
But over many years of studying music, poetry, and philosophy; over many years of having intimate and heartfelt conversations with friends and family; and over many years of teaching both dance and critical thinking, I've learned something wonderful: I kinda' like being me.
I like being me because (1) if I was fearless, then I couldn't be brave (because there's no bravery without fear); (2) if I was suave and debonaire, then I wouldn't have any motivation to teach and learn social dance (because it pushes me to socialize with others when I, otherwise, wouldn't want to); (3) and if my life fit perfectly together, then I wouldn't be as unique as the outfits I like to wear.
So, 🥂 here's to being brave; here's to being weird; and here's to being you.
#biggestlittleafro #reno #burningman #country #outfits #dance #style #positivity #positivethinking #positivevibes #festivalfashion #burner #vitalydesign #modeling #blackmodel #naturalhair #mensfashion #burningmanstyle #burningmanfashion #burnerstyle
Jewelry: @vitaly
Photo: @nikkiritcher
Agent: @trutalentagencyreno
Lola (2011-2026)
Our Lola girl crossed the rainbow bridge this morning. What an amazing companion she has been these years. She protected the pack, made us laugh, and - most importantly - she loved us with all her heart.
Missing her already. ❤️
✨Mountain Magic 2025 ✨
Workshops & learning from my favs 💕
Performances & competitions 🤩 🔥
Halloween Dance 😍 🏴☠️
Dancing with friends ☺️🧡
My energy level was a challenge/mostly non existent - so Every dance I could muster for meant a lot to me.
#thankyou @michellekinkaid for bringing the magic back to Tahoe! Last year’s event was the start of my dance convention addiction 😂 - Looking forward to the next!
#thankyou
#mountainmagic #dance #dancefriends #wcs #countrytwostep #nightclubtwostep #hustle #dancelife #dancestudent #moretolearn #morefun #moredancing #laketahoe #stateline #nevada #2025
Fun dancing on an almost Halloween Saturday night with guest instructor, Jonathan Taylor
@ High Sierra Swing Dance Club & #friends
#thanks for the #dances #wcs #nightclub2step #waltz #cowboychacha #az2step #countrytwostep #halloweenvibes #carsoncity #nevada #october2025
Last day to join us for Country 2-Step until this Fall!
Shuffle on by and celebrate ArtTown @theballroomofreno on Wednesdays in the month of July and learn a little Country Two-Step.
No partner required.
*Beginner Class @ 6:00pm (Free)
**Beyond Basics Class @ 7:00pm ($10).
🏳️🌈 All are welcome. 🏳️🌈
@theballroomofreno@renoisartown
#thingstodoinreno #thingstodo #partnerdance #theballroomofreno #reno #biggestlittleafro #countrytwostep #texastwostep #country #countrymusic #countrydance #dancinginreno #renoisartown
Shuffle on by and celebrate ArtTown @theballroomofreno on Wednesdays in the month of July and learn a little Country Two-Step.
No partner required.
*Beginner Class @ 6:00pm (Free)
**Beyond Basics Class @ 7:00pm ($10).
🏳️🌈 All are welcome. 🏳️🌈
@theballroomofreno@renoisartown
#thingstodoinreno #thingstodo #partnerdance #theballroomofreno #reno #biggestlittleafro #countrytwostep #texastwostep #country #countrymusic #countrydance #dancinginreno #renoisartown
