My High School Dance Showcase

High school is a special experience. This implies both positive and negative feelings. And that is the blunt truth of high school. The classes, the homework, the teachers breathing down our necks, and the high expectations. But then we also have new friends, new opportunities and new freedoms. While interacting with my friends and acquaintances, I hear a lot of complaining about the workload and the “mean” teachers and the drama. But then there are these brief moments where everything just falls into place. When you’re just surrounded by friends doing something you all love. Together.

Our long hours of practice were over. We got to relax and interact freely, knowing we’ve given it our all and now, we just have to shine under the spotlights. And once all the shows were over, we stopped and breathed. Took a moment to acknowledge the fact that none of us broke form. None of us tripped and got a concussion. No one fainted from stage fright or dehydration. It was far from perfect but it was real. Sometimes, that’s all we can ask for. A moment where the troubles of life are set aside and all that matters is the now. A quick 3 minute dance may not seem like a lot in the moments preceding it or following it; but take it from someone who’s done it, when you’re performing, time seems to stand still. Every flick of the wrist is noticeable and every glance tells something different.

My teacher was quite critical of our every move, our every piece of clothing, and the exact timing. While we were performing, she was making sure that it got as close to perfection as it could. Our world was quite pretty but people looking must see it the same way.

One of my friends once told me, “the stage is a world in itself.” I have never been a theatre kid, a dancer, or any kind of performer. I’m more comfortable giving a speech on stage than playing a role. But every time I walk onto a stage, especially this time, I feel a heady rush. I may be talking about the effects of global warming or dancing to a Lady Gaga song, but the shadowed audience, the blinding lights, the air...it sends me to a different world. A world where I’m in control.