For as long as I can remember, I've always been a part of a performance. I've been a dancer and performer. Later I was a dance instructor and choreographer. I even did some stagehand duties, costume changer, makeup.... you name it!!
On Saturday night... I was a first time part spectator. I sat in the audience and I shared the emotions of the audience. It was a totally strange experience. As the auditorium dimmed and the national anthems were played I felt pride at my heritage. The music started and the adrenaline rushed in my blood. I knew my feet were tapping because I heard a very light, tap, tap, tap. But I had to sit still. This was my time to watch- not be watched.
The music rushed through me and the lights engulfed my senses. The colors of the costumes filled my countless memories. My brother, a born performer, caught my attention at every moment he was on stage. My younger brothers smile radiated happiness. The passion I felt from them and some of the other the dancers was amazing.
My young students that I had taught years ago filled me with an indescribable feeling. I cried at my old student, the little boy, (no man!)... who had the solo. My old mantra to those little men, "keep your shoulder back, back straight, stomach in, head up! Be Proud!" To the girls... "shoulders back, head up, hands out, and SMILE!" They learned pretty well, and my heart just poured with joyful pride. Just amazing.
But like any artist... I found myself critiqueing some dances for off beats, incorrect choreography, weaknesses, incorrect postures, inablities to follow the music, etc. If I had video focused on me, my emotions and facial expressions throughout the night would have been a treat to psychologists everywhere.
At the end, due to some technical difficulties... I, and others, were brought up on stage to participate in an impromptu casual dance. That was my favorite moment of the evening.
So, I think the stage wanted me as much as I wanted it.
3 comments:
ukhh. what can I say?
It's my soul in another body speaking.
Damn... we WERE good choreographers AND instructors. I realized after I heard people talk about the performance. By the way, some of my photography is being published in a Newspaper and I made sure I had a pic of your bro on stage in there ;))
WOW!! That is awesome .. I wish I could be there ... :( Too bad!
Yalla ... great that you guys had fun. That is fantastic
Toot: Yes, we still ARE damn good dancers, performers, choreographers and instructors. I miss it all. I miss everything about it... even the stress that comes with it! And good job with those photographs!! They did come out really nicely. I wanted to use one here, but I didn't want to seem like I'm copying you. How did a newspaper get a hand on them? And Nurzat will be more than more than pleased to see himself in the newspaper. Which one is it?
Qwaider: Thanks. :) I'm sure they're will be some videos on youtube, if there isn't any already. You can probably check it out there.
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