The Oregon State Fair
A small, hurried sigh escaped my lips as I jerked black stretch pants on over my bright red leotard. Grabbing my shirt and uttering a quick word of encouragement to a girl in my class, I pushed the flap of the changing tent open and ducked outside. I ran around the corner, throwing my white oxford shirt on and tying the bottoms in a knot right above my hip. I raised a prayer of thanks to the powers that be as I realized that the group before me wasn�t finished with their song yet. I had a few seconds to breathe. I adjusted my hair, tearing it out of its usual bun and throwing it into a high ponytail as I waited anxiously below the stage. Their number ended and I moved aside as twelve girls bounded off the platform. My friend Tamsyn gave me a quick hug as she passed, and I ascended the three short steps to the stage. My heart began to pound in my ears as I took one last big breath, waiting eagerly for Mike to give me the signal to go. Finally, he looked up and nodded. I gave him a small smile in return and walked out to the middle of the stage, front and center. My teacher, Miss Lisa, introduced me, providing the spectators with a background on my experience as I moved into position. I glanced quickly out into the crowd, almost bursting with glee as I realized that these people were excited to be at the State Fair, and wanted to see what I could do. It was going to be both easy and wonderful to interact with them; give them something back for their attention and appreciation. The music started and my nervousness flew from my mind as I began my number. I turned my body toward the audience, immediately becoming �Runaround Sue� as the words and notes blared from the speakers. From the corner of my eye, I saw some people smiling; they were having fun. This was my dream. To be up on the stage, by myself and dancing to something I had created, pleasing the crowd and making them smile. I flew through my routine, putting in more expression than I ever had before. As I made my way offstage to the last few notes of the song, I looked over to where Miss Lisa was standing, wanting to see her reaction. I�ll never forget the look on her face: she was smiling, and the pride in her eyes shone out like an explosion of energy and light. I ran to the changing tent, receiving compliments from bystanders as I went, relishing the fact that I had done well. But my happiness was put aside as I rushed to get ready for the next time, the next number, and that next moment. |
