Diwali

Diwali is a major holiday in India, both for Hindus and Sikhs although for different reasons. Its a festival of lights and a time of great joy. The day of my first public dance performance (I was a ball of nerves but had a marvelous time), I stopped at our local Indian restaurant post dance for some dinner. I was in full costume and stage makeup and looked for all the world like a very buxom drag queen, but the owner was excited because she wanted to hire a bellydancer for the upcoming Diwali festivities. Neither my dance skills nor my stage presence were up to the challenge of two hours of solo dancing so I deferred to my instructor and troupe leader. The entire troupe was hired and we had all of 6 days to throw together a two hour show. Not only did we throw it togther, it came together very well, and we were literally showered with tip money which was a very cool expresson of appreciation for our dancing. The zagarheets were a delight as well, and I was very happy to have my solo dances so well recieved. I'm still practicing daily, but now instead of dreading troupe and solo performances, I'm very much looking forward to them, and feel more confident in my choreographing adventures. I'm even working on my own sword dance with George, my scimitar (introduced below).