Tonight, I sat on my couch and watched Hillary Clinton tell her "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pantsuits" as best she could, to support President Obama at the Democratic National Convention. It was a rather convincing speech. While emphasizing the necessity of the Democratic party to unite, if for no other reason than to put a Democrat in office, she also touched upon the triumphs through adversity that have made it possible for her to stand where she was standing, and President Obama to be where he will be standing in just a couple of days.
While her exact words escape me at the moment, it was certainly a message I needed to hear after a long day dealing with my own adversity. The short of it is, once again I was not cast in a major production of the Iowa dance department. While I am never so full of myself and presumptuous to think that I am so fabulous that I must be cast, I do know that I am good enough, and certainly deserving enough to be a definite cast member in one of this school's dance concerts. Yet, the news that I was only being cast as an understudy for one of the work's came as a blow to my ego after an audition last night in which my dancing was repeatedly referred to as "Gorgeous!" and "Fierce!"
After going an entire year without performing, I finally decided to raise hell, and who knows what benefits, if any, that will bring. Really, at this point, my only solace is knowing that nobody who's ever really done anything spectacular has gotten there with ease. So I'm taking a lesson from our soon-to-be first Black president. I have no choice but to be on my A++ game at all times; simply put, I'm gonna be the best damn understudy they ever saw.
This is just a stepping stone...
4 comments:
that's right syd! don't let the light brights dimish your spirit. you are an amazing choreographer, dancer and person. let them hate, they'll see what you really are soon enough...
Babygirl, in the business you've chosen this will probably be the smallest road bump that you will encounter. My best advice is the same advice I gave you last year when this happened and that is to stand up and fight. Racism has become very covert in these modern times but we know it's still there. Unfortunately we still have to work twice as hard to be considered just as good and the opportunities don't always come unless you raise hell and make them come. Make them respect you, just like I taught you, who cares if they like you. Don't let them get away with anything and "Go For It" with all the RayMo' you can muster!
Dad
your dad makes me smile. i love you and you are a damn good dancer :)
Syd:
I'm just getting a chance to follow up on what's happening with you. You dad was filling me in. "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!!!" Stick to your guns. It's more important to be right than liked. Know that we love you and are praying for your success. Close your eyes and imagine a hug from your BIG cuz...feels good doesn't it?:-) Love you much.
Cuzin Rodney
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