To the left of the stage was a huge screen with live action shots of whoever was performing.  Pam caught this one as I was dancing SPEAK in 90 degree heat.  I was grateful that I did not pass out.  I was also happy to be there, part of this big festival, the first of its kind in Boston.  Everyone in the backstage area was wonderful:  Masha, Diane, Iona, Shawna and Sheila – all kind, helpful and enthusiastic.  I found the atmosphere around the event refreshing, unpretentious and exciting, despite the crushing heat and humidity.  Bravo Boston!  Bravo Outside the Box!

Photo:  Howard Schatz

As I approach this performance in at the Outside the Box Festival in Boston on Thursday I can feel the little parts of myself that are not quite all in.  The parts that is worried about the heat (I am performing outdoors); the part that is protecting my knee, the part that is still learning/exploring the dance.

At the same time, I can feel how many parts of myself are all in, how I have the feeling not of dancing so much as being danced.  It is the first solo I have performed in twelve years.  I am ready to go, ready to plunge in. And I am eager to do more of this, and here is why:  I can feel how authentic, how full to the brim, how generous this dancing has become.  It is not about showing, but sharing, not about being seen but seeing.

Come and see!