
Ashes to Grace | I Shall Dance
My name is Synaet, and I am Cambodian.
ā
I started dancing in 2013. The first time I came to the studio I was so scared. I had never seen a space like that, I was scared of my teacher, I didn’t speak English yet and there were many kids from other NGOs there. But I was very curious and the more I danced the more I realized that I would not have this opportunity anywhere else
Fear. Curiosity. Success. That has been my pattern since starting dance. Now my journey is taking me to new heights , on new adventures to new lands. I would like to use this space to share my story with people as I take up this exciting new challenge.
Ashes to Grace |Ā I Shall Dance
The title Ashes to Grace comes from a photo exhibition by the photographer Steven Spencer. The exhibition features photos by Steven and Cambodian based artist Badong Escubil featuring myself and fellow dancer Natasia Escubil. When I heard this title I felt that the Holy Spirit had put this in his heart. For me those words have so much meaning. I felt so touched and also like a snap to wake me up.
Ashes because of the tragedy of my parentās death
Grace because even in that God has given me strength, and so many blessings, and made many beautiful things happen in my life.
ā
Isaiah 61 1-3
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]
to proclaim the year of the Lordās favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zionā
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord

"Don't only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets"