Abruptness to innovation

I could hear the music echoing in the hall, full of juniors and seniors who were anticipating a captivating performance. It was the college welcome and farewell program. I, myself, had a performance. My dance partner, Sagar, and I were full of nervousness, and tension was everywhere. Subash, the program organizer, and whole crew were trying to keep it all on track. Samera, my friend, and other dancers were also preparing for their performance.

Before entering the hall, I said to Sagar, “We’ll rock the stage. Just feel the music and dance.”

“Sujil! The first performer of the day, best of luck!”, Samera said as we entered.

“Thank you, but did you say that my dance is at first?” My nervousness rose as I heard it.

After weeks of practice, we had finally decided to perform a hip hop dance of Jabawookies. We had merged slow motion and popping, but we weren’t confident enough for opening performance.

“Subash! Is my performance at first?” I shouted.

“I am so sorry Sujil, the dancers are refusing to perform at first. Please ‘yar’, friend, don’t say no” he replied.

I was a bit disappointed with that decision, but agreed due to our friendship. 

We climbed the stage, as the program started, and the crowd cheered whole-heartedly. Thanks to the white mask that hid my nervous face. Though, I encouraged Sagar to perform well.

We started to dance, as the music began. First was the MJ’s music and then continued the Jabawookies’s. We didn’t let a single stone unturn till then, with coordination and determination. I realized that dancing on stage was much harder than playing a violin or a pianica. Then individual section started, and my friend performed while I took a break. Meanwhile, I looked at the crowd with some faces disgust with my performance, I guess, which made me black and blue. Sweat was all over my face, since it turned me nervous with their gestures.

 Why can’t they just be content on what they watch? I, foolishly, questioned myself.

Sagar’s performance was about to finish, but then, I forgot the steps. What should I do? Suijl, remember! I tortured my brain.

“Sujil, it’s your turn now” Sagar yelled. No audience heard it due to loud music.

What to do? Moonwalk? No, the carpet won’t let me. Spider? No, not prepared for B-boying. All thoughts came randomly, since I had no time.

Alas! The move from step up movie I did it instantly, but due to loss of balance, it was not as I expected and got deviated to my own moves.

“I have ruined it!” That’s all I said after the performance, but to my surprise, the crowd cheered enthusiastically.

“When did you learn that new move?” Sagar said.

“Just now”

It was totally surprising as I saw it in the video. I finally felt content that my random move entertained the crowd. Subash congratulated me thankfully, since I hit a homerun in first ball. “Great, I enjoyed it.” said the coordinator. Now I realize that had I not danced challenging my nervousness, what would it have been…