Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Cotton Mouth

I... SURVIVED!!! I got on stage, in front of people, and danced. Danced, I say! Goodness gracious, I had my doubts! I looked for nearest exits, attempted breathing exercises, got pep talks. Ultimately though, a drink later, I was better.

Words cannot describe how supportive the Bellydance Community is. From the biggest stars to the newest of novices, everyone wants you to succeed and shine. No catty competition, no snickering at different body types, nada. It's truly awesome.

So, what can I say about the performance... All my friends were there. My mother even came, which meant a lot to me. Artsy Gal and I got to the venue way early, like big nerds, but in doing so, we got to have some one-on-one time with our fabulous Teacher. Seriously, check her out!




Amazing, right?!

Anyhoo, so we got to take our time scoping out the place and meet all the other performers as they arrived. It was comforting to find we were not the only first time performers. And by golly, we weren't even the most nervous ones! We all bonded and watched the audience roll in from our hangout area...

So, the show begins, and Artsy Gal and I are the 4th to perform. Much like taking turns reading aloud in a grade school class, as it got closer to my turn, I got more and more anxious. This was no different. First performer done, omg... Second performer, OMG... Third on stage, holy shit... As we waited by the stage for our turn, some looked our way and smiled. I smiled nervously back. Inhale... exhale... inhale.......... exhale........ *Applause* We're on.

Before I can even adjust to the bright spotlight and the feel of the stage floor, our music starts. My mind and body goes on auto-pilot. I had no time to think. Just do. I felt a bit wobbly at a couple of points. (Yeah, the drink I had beforehand got to me juuuuuust a weeeee little bit.) Just when the shock was starting to lift, it was over. We hit our final pose, then cheering and applause erupted. Artsy Gal bowed to the audience, as I scrambled to get my veil from across the stage. I scurried off stage in disbelief that I just performed in front of people...

As we got away from the stage, people approached us with kind words. Just then, I realized I had zero saliva in my mouth. I kid you not. I've never experienced such a thing, but apparently it's not rare. I could barely get a word out. My throat was bone dry too. I just pointed toward the "performers area" and did the "need drink" gesture. A whole bottle of water later, my mouth was working again...

So, we got nothing but praises! I felt a bit like a celebrity. Makeup all done up, eyes on me, posed for pictures, got compliments. I just smiled and took it all in. Artsy Gal and I couldn't look at each other without smiling proud. We did it!!

7 comments:

Len said...

I know that dry mouth feeling. It's terrible.

Stuck said...

Congratulations! I'm sure it was an awesome performance.

Lisa said...

woohoo! wish you had a video of YOU GUYS doing the dancing!

Behind The Curve said...

len: It was so weird! I'm sure it was like that the whole time I was dancing, but didn't notice 'til I was off the stage.

stuck: Thanks so much! I like to think it was.

MJ: There IS a video... ;o) I'm such a bashful little thing... I can link those that email moi. How 'bout that?

Single guy blogging said...

Way to go BTC! Congrats! I'm sure the next time it'll be that much easier...

Ms. Annie D said...

*bows*

I admire you SO MUCH for doing this, woman!

Bellydancing, in my opinion, is mesmerizing to watch. I take my husband to this Moroccan restaurant close to where we live so that we both can enjoy the dancers there.

And your instructor? Wow. Very inspirational, especially for someone like me, who never gets beyond dancing to her bellydancing DVDs in the privacy of her living room!

Behind The Curve said...

SGB: Thanks my friend!

Annie: You should take a class! Join others! It's a great community of supportive people. Most teachers will get you to slowly perform, if just for/among your classmates. It's really awesome!