I'm not a?journalist, entertainment blogger or dance critic. I'm a girl who is blogging her way through life and was lucky enough to be invited to the opening night of Burn the Floor at the Joburg Theatre on my 560th day.
I'm that girl who left a sick boyfriend at home for my mother to take care of. Whose day was filled with worry and nursing that I hadn't blogged day 559 yet. Who had the looming return to gym after only getting over my own sickness. Who ... was that the most perfect body on a man I have ever seen?
Um ... where was I? Worries? What worries?
That's the power of this incredible dance production called Burn the Floor.
As quoted by the Joburg Theatre: "From Harlem's hot nights at The Savoy, where dances?such as the Lindy, Foxtrot and Charleston were born, to the Latin Quarter where the Cha-Cha, Rumba and Salsa steamed up the stage, BURN THE FLOOR takes audiences on a journey through the passionate drama of dance. The elegance of the Viennese Waltz, the exuberance of the Jive, the intensity of the Paso Doble - audiences will experience them all, as well as the Tango, Samba, Mambo, Quickstep and Swing."
What next? How do I? When is the right time to? Why would anyone want to? If I try this will it? That's how most of my thoughts begin and it's always a day of?incessant self questioning ... until ...
I don't do it often. Actually I don't do it at all. This mind of mine never stops and even when I'm trying to meditate I never get very far without my bossy and noisy brain taking over the process. I used to love reading but haven't done it in ages because my head won't shut up and I find myself re-reading paragraphs far too often. Music almost gets it right for me, but never for very long and I'm the first to say that's the furthest away from 'project me' that I should be with myself.
I love the theatre thanks to the cultured flair that my best friend has added to my life and I've seen many productions in my time. I've loved a whole bunch of them, but I can't say when last I had a moment such as last night. To review a production like this must be fun with words like sizzling, steamy, hot-t-t and spectacular, but for me, it was a 'project me' moment that is rare and very personal.
I contemplated canceling because the collective questions asks if you should leave the man you love at home while you go to the theatre? 'Project me', on the other hand, tries to show the world that it's okay to put myself first, have fun and still live totally within my integrity. It didn't feel that way when I left him fast asleep and knew he would wake up, sick and alone. It didn't feel that way while driving in the car and while waiting for the show to begin. Even though I was surrounded by my special friends including Greggie, Jared who was instrumental in my being at the show and Hustler Girl who was my +1 after Mr Unexpected couldn't make it. Still ... I had all those 'what if's' floating through my head and felt like the most uncaring woman in the world for leaving him.
And then ... nothing ... but everything all at once.
If I breathed, I don't remember. What I do remember it the total stillness of my mind as I watched the most spectacular dance production I have seen. The description says it all but words can never captivate the experience of the combination of powerful voices and flawless dance.
Of course the nattering of my mind began the second the curtain rose and all I wanted to do was get home ... well, that was until the dancers all began to emerge and mingle with the crowd. Bless the Joburg Theatre for their hospitality and flowing wine that kept most people sipping instead of drooling. Where beautiful bodies and talent collide ... it's easy to forget about a sick man ... but not forever though.
Reality always returns after a night as mesmerising as this and when I got home I did my usual ... cry! While the tears were flowing I had a thought. I saw the most incredible partnerships on that stage. The ultimate in trust as one partner throws, catches and twirls another. It could never have been that flawless in the beginning. I bet a dancer or two where dropped on their head. There must have been tears and pain and hours of exhaustion that created something so spectacular ... and all of a sudden my mind fell silent once again ... to dream!
Jozi peeps and Tweeps ... I would love to go see Burn the Floor again, so if you are keen please Tweet me @jodenecoza and let's make a Tweetup out of it!
"Show me your Paso Doble..."
🙂 makes me think of Strictly Ballroom the movie we had to review and study for our matric finals. Gotta say I've enjoyed most of Baz Luhrmann's movies. I have to say that Romeo and Juliette was possibly my favourite of the lot.
Can't say that dance really captures me, my imagination or attention most of the time. Must be something to do with being a straight white guy... genetically I have no rhythm or style. :p
That said, a night out perhaps, "dinner and a show" is always an occasion and fun. Glad you enjoyed yourself. 🙂
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Nice pic with my new bf. 😉
Amazing, amazing, amazing show! Hope they have packed houses throughout their run.
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Thanks for making me your +1, it was a spectacular show and it didnt hurt that the male dancers didnt wear any shirts! *drool*