SOLSC 3/31: Beautiful Chaos

imageMy friends and I sat next to the speaker, the music so loud we couldn’t even think. We watched as the girls in front of us danced on our makeshift stage, perfecting their dance for the performance on Saturday. Other dancers and the dancer’s siblings ran around in the sitting area, playing loud, chaotic games. The music beside me died down and the dancers ran off the stage. The advanced troupe took their spot on the stage for our next dance. Our song turned on and I tuned the outside noise out. The dance immediatly launched into a complex step. Jump switch shuffle and toe and toe bang, I recite in my head, trying to keep up with the fast-paced music. The only thing I could hear was the music and the sound of our feet heavily hitting the ground as we danced. My calfs and thighs burned as the song sped up and we were sent into another step. Jump shuffle and toe and toe bang, I turned over my shoulder, feeling the girls around me do the same. Again the music sped up and this time switched to a reel. We moved into a new formation as the music steadily continued to increase. Sweat dripped down my flushed face. Bang step shuffle hop back shuffle hop back shuffle hop back. Our feet all stopped in sync as the music ended and a huge collective breath was let out from all of the dancers. Once the dance ended we realized that we had all been holding our breaths in concentration. The chaos immediately resumed, girls laughing, chasing each other, and practicing other dances. The dancers all turned to face each other, still breathing hard. We grinned, proud of our new, fast-paced dance, yet relieved that it was over. Every dancer in the building ran over to our stage and took a bow. And with that, the beautiful chaos picked up right where it left off.

2 thoughts on “SOLSC 3/31: Beautiful Chaos

  1. Having seen you ladies perform, I love your description and can imagine the adrenaline you were feeling after such a complex routine! I love hearing your thoughts in this piece and how you contrast this with the “beautiful chaos” around you. Even describing it as beautiful says something about how you view your dancer’s life. That even with all the distractions (which may make it difficult, but are just as much as part of the experience) you can tune it all out and lose yourself in the music and the motion. Great slice, Amber!

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