Letter:
Dear Dance,
One might find it whimsical that I'm writing you a letter, to Dance; and that I'm calling Dance as a noun and not a verb. However, I think I need to say this out loud to the Art of Dance for giving me what it has been giving. To express gratitude for the emotions I'm feeling today.
Honestly speaking, I have not been constant & loyal in following my passion for Dance as much as I should have been. Yet, the Art of Dance has always embraced me during any interval that I've decided to follow it. And for that, I'm eternally grateful.
As a kid, I have followed every excuse to Dance; be it annual days in school, family functions or colony gatherings. And, if there was nothing happening, I would still be dancing - performing for an imaginary audience sitting on the living room couch. I would be dancing even when there was really no one watching. And isn't that the best way to dance, as if no one is watching?
And while I'm on that topic, I must also admit that I am also low-key relieved that I haven't pursued the passion of Dance professionally. Because (quoting Liz Gilbert) now I do not have to burden the Art of Dance with the responsibility to pay my bills. Art is bigger than that. And, I have tremendous respect for the people who do this for a living, who Dance professionally - they are an inspiration for living the dream. I am just glad that I am able to have this sexy, naughty, wicked affair with the Art of Dance; that I get to sneak-out with Dance few hours every week from the otherwise rudimentary life, and make the most of it with Dance because I only get limited time with it.
When dancing in the studio, it is bliss to feel the studio floor transform under my feet as I get lost in the music, learn new steps and express through Dance. It is the sense that Dance gives to my being. Transforming my muscles into the lyrics and poetry, the wind in my arms and sharing that moment with the other beings like me in that studio.
I believe that to Dance is really worth every sacrifice. And, apparently that is the reason why I am always before-time to the classes (what a geek) and do not complain when we run overtime during our sessions or when we are called for Grand Rehearsals throughout the day as we inch closer to the date for the musical show. I might crib that it changes my other plans, but I am wholeheartedly satisfied to spend whatever time I get with Dance.
And, even though it would not be my first time performing on stage, the excitement I feel about this upcoming show is humongous (as always). I cannot wait to feel the warmth from the blinding spotlights, the ecstacy of executing the choreography in shiny costumes on stage and for the applause from the entertained audience who bought tickets and invested their time to watch us perform.
The exhilaration is so much that all my plans these days are divided into two eras - "Before the Show" and "After the Show"; as if this show is a major life event (and I've always felt that with all the shows I've performed in the past; to the extent that I need to find my purpose in life again after the show is done - this time, the affair I'm having every Mon & Fri evenings would be over). I will miss the pleasure of walking into the studio, learning the choreography from my teacher, sharing the space with other dancers, the hard wood floor and the mirrors in the studio that would eventually get sweaty with us.
Also, whether it's dancing in the living room, in the studio or on the stage - the passion towards Dance remains the same; to accumulate the wealth of experiences, to comprehend the full & unique pleasure of movements and to commit to the sweet passion of the Art of Dance. And, I hope I get to follow this passion consistently and with loyalty.
For now, looking forward to performing at the Namaste India show on Saturday, July 16th at Flato Markham Theater.
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