The Last Dance

The Paris Opera Ballet (France) presented at the Esplanade in Singapore recently.

Before I entered the private box that I had a seat in, the hosts – the Esplanade management – explained that that particular show was the last dance of one of the key ballet dancers. The last dance. Ever.

As I sat through the show in the dark theatre, catching zoomed glimpses of the perfect footwork with the theatre binoculars, all I could think of was the state of her mind.

What must she be feeling? In performing every move, in listening to the applause, in her bow – what was she thinking and feeling?If I had been in her pretty ballerina shoes, would I be able to be so stoic and maintain a perfect performance?

A last dance – a last good bye – to the stage – to an audience – to the activity that must have consumed her whole life – how much strength would one need to not cry in that last bow!

jm

Feb 2012