A version of me has been building for seven years and I feel her arrival coming soon It’s been slow, painful, quiet, hidden It’s been out of my reach and out of my sight It’s been in the tears at the studio of my life Like simultaneously I’m in the audience, anxious for the show to start, reading over the program and hoping it’s as good as I imagine Nay, better, grander, softer, quieter, lovelier And I’m…she’s also back there, behind the scenes Warming up her feet and ankles Stretching her spine and arms so she can reach me Plié, port de bras Tendu, port de bras Degagé, sous-sous Rond de jambe En lair Frape Adage Grand battement Releve Stretch Changements Sautés The house lights pulsate The voiceover calls patrons to their seats We turn off our phones We take a deep breath She checks the pins in her hair Peels off the leg warmers Takes off the vest She takes a deep breath B plus, make an entrance Look straight ahead Stand long Head high They’re waiting for you She’s waiting for you I’m waiting for you The curtain’s about to rise
as a woman who loves poetry, pink and green have always felt like freedom
i appreciated this piece especially (i think) as a dancer. the anticipation and preparation really resonated with me <3