Writing in the Mountains

Although my blog is entitled "Writing in the Mountains", I have been asked by so many people about my life in the Arctic that I think I will take this opportunity to write about some of my wonderful adventures during the eight years that I lived at the "Top of the World."

It is difficult to know where to begin. I moved to the Arctic on July 1, 1997. Actually, a permanent move was not in my thoughts that day. I was having a difficult time with a separation and my friends decided I needed a break from my tears and heartache. So, I packed a couple of bags and flew myself and my daughter to Barrow, Alaska to get away from it all. This was going to be a new and wonderful adventure! And it was...

I was immediately introduced to the Native Culture and the children. It didn't take long for me to fall in love with those children. I had been teaching dance to children already for about 15 years, so it was just a natural thought that I should offer my talents here in Barrow. Now keep in mind that they still had their own cultural dances, but they also had very little outside influence in their culture; i.e., ballet, classical music, and the arts; except what little they were exposed to in school.

I opened "The Academy of Performing Arts" school of dance in September of 1997 in Barrow, Alaska to fulfill a dream to teach these children along with the desire to become a big part of their lives along with the community. I taught Kinderdance to very young children ages 3-5 to socialize them and teach them about ballet, tap, and tumbling. I also offered regular ballet classes to varied age groups along with tap, jazz, hip-hop, and gymnastics.

For the next eight years, I had the time of my life!

During these years, I had the wonderful distinction of becoming the Director of the Boys & Girls Club of the Arctic Slope. I not only planned, organized, managed, and directed the overall Unit/Branch programs, but I also helped to develop a cooperative relationship between our members and the public, through their involvement with civic groups, social agencies, and entertaining at community functions. They created and printed their own monthly newsletter and took pride in helping the elderly.

The City of Barrow was kind enough to provide us with a building; however, it was quite old and in heavy need of repairs. The water was either freezing or pipes were bursting which would shut us down quite often. Through my recent visits over the past two years, I have come to understand that the building is currently shut down for repairs and no one seems to know when it will be suitable to house the Boys & Girls Club again. It's a shame. These kids really enjoyed having somewhere to go every afternoon after school. Upon my visit again this coming Fall, I hope to find a much repaired building or maybe even a new one. I will be sure to update on that.

Note: the house pictured here on the left is not the Boys & Girls Club. (ha ha) This house is actually not that old and also the house I lived in while I was in Barrow. All houses are built up on pilings because of the constant freezing and thawing of the tundra.




Of course my personal life was filled with wonderful friends and weekly get-togethers. Due to the harsh climate and many months of darkness, we created our own fun to disuade the boredom. Most of my friends were either school teachers or research scientists. We broke up the week by spending Wednesday evenings having dinner together and then playing board games or cards for several hours. Then weekends, of course, were spent similarly. The host location might change, but we still tried to get together at least twice a week. Barrow, statistically, has the highest suicide rate in the US due to so many months of darkness; along with the fact that it is so far from the 'real' world. Socializing on a regular basis, laughing, joking, playing games, and having fun kept us all sane in such a harsh and difficult environment. I made some wonderful friends. Lifetime friends.


Since the Alaskan Arctic is also teeming with wildlife and beautiful scenery, I also took the opportunity to take thousands of photos over the course of those years. I can't possibly share all of them with you, but I do want to share some of my favorites.


Keep in mind that the Inupiaq Eskimos still believe in subsistence living, and I, for one, have a great respect for their way of life. They do not abuse or neglect it. They not only eat the meat, but use every inch of each animal for their very existence, just as their ancestors did before them.








It was a very surreal experience. It may not be for everyone, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. If you get the chance to visit Barrow, I doubt you will regret it.


Footnote:

The Barrow Whaler's Football Team is now the most northern US High School football team in the world. It is also the most expensive piece of turf @ $1 million dollar price tag. They have no fancy scoreboard or seating for fans. This is just the cost of the field itself. It was a difficult project due to the fact that there is 'no' grass in Barrow and the weight of the turf made for a very spendy flight. This was built on dirt and sand.......not even tundra. But according to Barrow fans and ESPN, this was a fabulous and historic feat! (yes, that is me sitting on the 50 yard line........GO WHALERS!)