My mother always told me the story of my great, great grandmother in Poland having been whisked away by Gypsies.  “There's gypsy blood in our family...in you!” she would say. 

I always believed her.  It was relieving to feel that there was a real, genealogical reason as to why I was so different from the rest of my family...I was a Gypsy. 

Five years ago, I began studying yoga with renowned and well-loved teacher, Sofia Diaz.  One of her “assignments” to me specifically was to dance ecstatically at least once a week.  I baulked at first...why did I need to dance ecstatically!!  Then, as fate would have it, Shannon asked me if I would be a member of the Boulder Gypsy Nation team.  A dance which would meet once a week...how could I say no!  It seemed that spirit agreed with Sofia...thus, Gypsie Nation and the village dance ritual came into my life...and into the life of my family. 

I love our community dance.  Even when I feel reluctant to leave the sanctity of my mountain home to travel to Boulder to dance...I ALWAYS feel refreshed, alive, washed when the dance closes.  As well, my 11-year-old son loves to accompany me...as does my husband.  Both enjoy the ability to drum along with the outstanding array of World Music. Gypsie Nation has been and continues to be a gift to my life.  In my work with the last Wild Buffalo of Yellowstone, I find the strength, guidance, and insight to facilitate from a true and grounded place.  I can bring myself to the dance and be received and released.  I look forward to many more dances...as I do believe we can “Dance Back the Buffalo!”

Justine and her family live high in the mountains of the Arapahoe ancestors.  They have been involved with the Buffalo Field Campaign for the past 6 years.  Please volunteer with us in the field in Yellowstone any spring and dance back the buffalo with Gypsie Nation!