Relief...followed by sheer panic

[clevermanka]

Had our last rehearsal before Middle Eastern (excuse me, Sultan's Treasure) Weekend tonight. It went pretty well. Most of the poor girls still look terrified, like they're going to be executed at the end of the dance. But no major foul-ups on choreography and the drummers sound absolutely fantastic! We're doing the drum solo finale that we did for the summer show, only with live drummers. This is one of my favorite choreography/music combos of all time and I have to tell you, hearing it with live drummers brought tears to my eyes. It was That Cool.

The show is really tight, with just enough time for two solos and the rest are group numbers, a big change from past years. I am incredibly flattered that Jo has me doing a solo in every show and the other three advanced girls trade off solos during the day. But I have a solo in the same spot, right after the sword choreography, every show. This means I don't get to do a sword solo, but I'll do a fun, upbeat cane number that'll be almost as much fun.

Oh, did I say I wasn't doing a sword solo? That's because I'm doing a freestyle sword duet with freakin' Lois from the St. Louis troupe during the 2:30 Belly Jam show. Augh! Ngggnngngn!!! Gaaaaah! OK, let's be clear: I have never been this nervous about a non-choreographed performace. Seriously. Jo told me that and I smiled and said oh yeah, sounds great! Then I went out to my car and tried not to puke. Jesus Christ. Nearly 15 years of dancing has got me to my current skill level with sword. In three days I need to oh, I don't know, triple that level of competence to even hold my own against Lois.

Deep breath, deep breath. I can do this. I know I can do this. It Will Be Just Fine. It's only one show for each day, and if I drop my sword, it's not like it'll be the first time in the world that ever happened. I will feel more confident about this when I'm actually out there performing. But right now I'm glad I only had tea and toast for dinner.

Comments

[rougewench.livejournal.com]

My dear, I have all the faith in the world in you.

Think of Lois as an energy resource you can plug into. Performing with a skilled partner means you have to expend no energy at all on the partner's performance. All you need do is plug into that energy I discussed with you when we first sat down. The place you have gone to before when dancing. Evoke that energy and let it flow through...in exactly the manner we walk where others have before, let that energy drive your dancing.

Become a conduit and I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the results...even if you do drop your sword.


D.

[arian1.livejournal.com]

Hey! I saw them dance here. The St Louis people that is. Cool :)

[mesniu.livejournal.com]

Will this be out at KCRF this weekend? If so, I'll pop by for a bit before our 2:50 show.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Yep, that's this weekend. I'll be posting our weekend schedule as soon as I have it (probably Thursday). We're doing three (or four?) shows a day, plus the free-for-all bellyjam at 2:30.

[kijjohnson.livejournal.com]

You'll be beautiful and smooth, and the crowd will love you.

[hurricanedeck.livejournal.com]

I wish I could be there to see you dance! I know that you'll be fabulous- and the sword dace will be amazing.

Have a wonderful time!

[angelbedwell.livejournal.com]

At the risk of adding to yet another Chernobyl Red Love-In...;)

I can't wait to see you dance! If you drop your sword, I'll be happy to pick it up for you;)

Do you use the clicky things in your hand...not castanettes but the bell thingys? I love bells!

And...I can't wait to hear GOOD drums :)

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

You know, having you there to hand me my sword would be absolutely hysterical. =D

And yes, I can play zills. I'm actually very good with them when I'm standing still. Haven't gotten to the point where I can dance and zill well at the same time. I'd be happy to teach you how to play! Very very easy and quite fun.