I Have the Power

[shanmonster]

I went out for brunch yesterday with f00dave, littlekeltie, zero_design, and snowy_kathryn. Toward the end of our meal, the lights shuddered a few times, then went out. Construction workers around the block had accidentally cut the power lines.

When we finished our repast, we headed over to the t'ai chi studio where I teach my classes. I wanted to see if the power was out there, too. And yes, the power was indeed out, so I decided to bring my portable stereo to class.

Of course, by the time my class rolled around, the electricity was reconnected. I chose to use my stereo anyhow, since I'd carried it all the way there and the sound is better than the studio's stereo. Class was fun. Kathryn and random_echoes took the beginners through a review while I worked with everyone a bit, one-on-one, as it was needed. It was a day of mayas. One of my advanced students did almost nothing but maya combination drills for ninety minutes. By the end, she was a bit sore, but her movements were much better.

When the beginners left, it was time for the advanced students. I decided to go with mystery music performances. I chose random music for each to perform to. random_echoes was first with some fruity Peruvian music. At first she faltered, but then she grabbed a veil and brought the music to life. Next was Kathryn with a song by a moaning Egyptian man. Then came Elaine with a high-spirited Persian song filled with mizmar blasts. And then I decided, ah hell, why not? And I took a turn.

They chose another Peruvian track, and I was almost stymied! The syncopated rhythms were not conducive to Middle Eastern dance movements. So I improvised, and did this weird little dance with rapidly trotting and kicking feet. I don't think I'm ready to make a conversion to South American dance, but I think I did not too badly, considering how very foreign the music was to me.

When class was over, I carried the stereo home on my shoulder, 80s-style, and blasted drum solo music. Kathryn and I were rewarded by the sight of powerline-breaking construction workers dancing in the street.

That's not something you see every day.

I'm going to have to start carrying my stereo around more often.

Comments

[miss-colombina.livejournal.com]

From my journal entry a few months ago:

(http://www.livejournal.com/users/miss_colombina/45701.html )

For the past two weekends I've been taking intense workshops on bellydance from two older men with big furry bellies and they ROCKED.

Momo Kadous and Yousry Sharif (in Bufallo).

If you see me hackling construction workers to show me how to do a shimmy on the down hip - you'll know why.

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

Awesome! Something tells me the guys dancing in the street yesterday won't be quitting their jobs anytime soon to give dance lessons, though. Hee!

[miss-colombina.livejournal.com]

Awesome! Something tells me the guys dancing in the street yesterday won't be quitting their jobs anytime soon to give dance lessons, though. Hee!

I don't know maaan, they're pretty competitive. I mean, just think about it. They *accidentally* cut off the power supply so that you *accidentally* see them dancing while carrying with you the boom box which you must take with you because of the blackout. Could this _all_ be a coincidence or were these construction workers cruising for an audition with your troupe?! think about it.

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

I think you have a point.

[longpig.livejournal.com]

You are an 80s music video waiting to happen.

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

I simply must learn to breakdance, if only for this reason.