Rhythm...

two weeks ago, i got to feel the exhilarating rush as the African jimbae beat its way into my pulse and could not help but be pulled inside the world of Pepito. I was sitting at the opening gala of the Debbie Allen Dance Studio's production's of Pepito's Story by Eugene Fern. A little tipsy from the free alcohol and lack of hor d'oeuvres, I wasn't in the most comfortable state, but as the curtains opened, the vibrant colors and music excited me for what was to come next. The dance company has only existed for 3 years and is made up of children from the ages of 4-18. For a company so young, the reputation has exploded and pulled in dancers from around the world - including an award-winning Bolshoi ballerina as a faculty member. This particular evening, they even have originally composed music & costumes. wow.

The story was about a boy who was poor but did not care since he had something he loved - dance. i liked the simple story because I too LOVE dance. I don't know why. Maybe it's my fond memories of the 3 years I took of ballet/tap/jazz classes when i was in elementary school. Maybe it's because i never played sports and dance is the only way i know how to express myself kinesthetically. I don't know...but i do know that when the music starts, i want to MOVE! granted, not always gracefully or artistically, but i do. i love dance so much that i even love watching others express the rhythm. That's why I love watching body worship, and as non-plot as it looks, i do have a slight TINY desire to see "Honey."

There are few things i enjoy more than dancing. Actually, do people lose their passions as they grow up? or is it that "passions" are displayed differently as they get older. When i was younger, music was my entire life. I literally didn't do anything except go to school, talk on the phone, study, and either spend time practicing the violin by myself or in an orchestra. everything revolved around auditioning for the region, area, and state orchestras. performing in them was the highlight of the year - not only did i get to be surrounded by some of the best young musicians in texas, we also got to play very famous music and had incredibly talented and well-known conductors to lead us. and for 3 intensive days, all we'd do is practice (literally 9 hours-a-day) and *bang* then we'd have a performance that would amaze you. It was a lot of work but also a lot of fun. Actually, most of my friends from high school ended up majoring in music and are currently still at juliard or are touring the world playing in front of audiences who have bought their cds.

Needless to say, i don't have anything like that in my life anymore. what happened to me? i only get my fiddle out for my annual jam session with myself. you'd be amazed at how much i can forget. massive amounts...

I AM lucky enough to love what i do for my job. i know most people aren't. but as for "passion" - do i have any? i think i still do when i think about missions. i don't know if i'll ever get to go again, but the memory of my own trips and the commands in the bible are so powerful that i want to support or pray or in some other way be a part of them for the rest of my life.

but what do i love? i love God (yes, the "good" answer), reading, dancing!, discussing the bible in my small group, singing praise songs, my family, spending time with arthur & friends, playing card games, learning new things, experiencing new things, baked sushi rolls, finding the perfect gift for someone, conversations, writing letters, watching movies, sleeping, clear and crisp days in LA (oh, how few they are!), doing outdoorsy stuff, the sound of the ocean, funny people, date-nights, and anime (but i don't know if i get to call myself a true fan because i don't like the ultra-violent or scandalous ones and i think they make up the majority of the anime out there...)

now i'm just rambling but yeah, i'm much more diversified now than before. i guess that comes with age, experience, and freedom since i was restricted from most things when i was growing up. FREEEDOMMM! (heehee sorry, just saw Braveheart again recently). but to tie it all up, i guess that's what dancing represents to me. the freedom to be who i am, to express it the way i want, and to have fun.
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ps - the other really cool thing about that night was that they were selling shaq and kobe's shoes in a silent auction. shaq's shoes were HUGE! like 2 feet long! ack! and the last bid i saw was something like $1500 and people were still going at it!