"A Problem Page For All!"

I had a dance audition yesterday. It wasn't hard, but I was still out of breath a couple times -- completely out of breath, you know, where you feel like your chest is going to implode. I haven't danced with any kind of regularity since I quit classes two years ago. But I did it. I felt so good to be back in the Fort Wayne Dance Collective's Elliot studio, dancing my heart out in a square of sunshine from one of the windows, windows framed by hanging plants -- watching my reflection in the big mirrors -- mirrors framed by patchwork curtains.

I knew I would get in. When you're auditioning with a bunch of eight-year-olds, the chances aren't hard to calculate. I danced as well as I could, though, just for the heck of it -- because, oh, it felt so good to be there. What I hadn't realized was that I've lost a lot of hang-ups I used to have when I was in that studio. I am now not afraid to move my body in any way. Literally. When Liz used to make us do those silly stretches where we had to move our legs or arms in funny ways, I used to do it as quickly as possible to get it over with. I think Liz was very surprised to see me dancing so...uninhibited.

I got in. What I had not known, for sure, was that I would get the lead role.

I have never had a lead part in a show in my life. I'm dancing lead! Lead! Solo! On stage! All alone! Wow.

I'm so excited. I'm dancing again! Dancing solo! I am so in love with the world, and my body, and my talent.

On a singularly more depressing note, every square inch of my body aches today. It. Hurts. To. Move. Very much so.

Still, it's worth it. Oh, darlings, I'm dancing again!

We perform in April.

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