Raleigh, NC

"In my mind I'm goin' to Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine
Can't you just feel the moonshine
Ain't it just like a friend of mine
It hit me from behind
Yes I'm gone to Carolina in my mind."

-James Taylor

A few weeks ago I visited Raleigh, NC. It is another city in which I'm shopping:

Pros:

• I love NC, especially the triangle
• Southern Weather (not too cold, not too hot)
• Dancing Friends
• Non-Dancing Friends
• Growing Dance Community
  
• Family nearby, close to home (Granny)
  
• SW airport hub
• Job opportunity (@ Arthur Murray)
• Opportunity to teach and organize
  
• 5 hours from DC, 3.5 from Asheville, NC,
  
• Gain back NC resident status (for possible masters/grad degree)
• Good music
  

Cons:

• I'm familiar with Raleigh (it's not a new place for me)
• I generally don't like how typical dance studios market themselves, so I'm not sure I'd want to work at Arthur Murray, even though the staff is amazing!
• I'm worried I won't make the effort to go dancing as much as I should
• Cost of living is moderate

Ok, so to be honest, it was hard for me to come up with reasons not to move to the Raleigh/Chapel Hill area. Perhaps it is because I know the area better than Pittsburgh, PA, but perhaps because it is a strong contender.

I truly enjoyed my stay in the Triangle... After 9 hours of driving I arrived at Loafers Beach Club and danced for over an hour with Jason, Abi, Frankie, Daniel, and friends from Abi's studio. We had a grand time despite my tiredness, culminating in a trip to IHOP, and me falling asleep on Frankie's couch. On Friday, I went to Chris' dance, where I had a fun time at their Mardi Gras party (complete with crazy 80s dancing). Richard Springs, Rob Moreland, and Adam Sheltz showed up, and I enjoyed dancing with all of them.

From the dance, I met up with Joe Troop (pictured above), and we, as kindred spirits, talked until 6am. After some sleep, Joe and I ate a traditional Mexican lunch with Rob Stephens (one of the boys next door from Winston-Salem, pictured right). We went to the Open Eye Coffee Shop until I had to meet Sue Hawn for the TSDS dance that night.

At the dance, Sue had asked me to teach with him, as his lovely wife, Katie, was sick with the flu. We taught the beginner lesson and rocked out to the sounds of a high energy Rockabilly band. The beginners were energetic and curious to learn, the class went well, and I was glad I stayed.

After Raleigh and Pittsburgh, I'm in Nashville again. This coming weekend, I'll be in Denver, and then Tulsa. From now through April, I won't be in town on the weekends. My departure from Tennessee is entering into focus more each day - and despite my apprehension, I'm excited!