Cathy Bratter closes her eyes and loses herself in trance-like tapping on her Djembe drum. It's no coincidence that the drum's hardwood torso features an elephant with upturned trunk: Good luck.
Cathy knows all about luck. At 19, she tried to pass a physical to work on a kibbutz in Israel. But a doctor with a hunch delivered stunning news. Cathy was profoundly hearing-impaired.
After a childhood of grueling speech therapy, and berating herself for being "stupid," the diagnosis made Cathy feel free. Her artistic powers exploded in bold and beautiful oil paintings and sculptures that grace homes, hotels and corporate headquarters nationwide.
More luck was coming.
Alan Dworsky was a lawyer searching for a passion. It wasn't the law. So, at 40 and with the blessing of his wife, Betsy, he quit his practice to found Dancing Hands Music (www.dancinghands.com), which publishes books and videos for hand-drummers.
A year ago, an eager student appeared in his African drumming class, presenting the teacher with a unique challenge.
"You don't hear and you want to play drums?" Alan asked Cathy.
"I feel the low sounds. I feel the energy," she said. "I've always wanted to make music with people."
