Waiting

May, 1991. In just my 2nd year with the UT dance program and 1st year with the Valois Company of Dancers, the Matriarch of UT Dance, Elaine Valois decided to retire. So, as her finale, she called out to the many dancers who had gone on to reknown from under her tutelage, and had a "Reunion Concert", which included some of her choreography and some by the returning guest artists.

It soon became clear there were too many pieces submitted for one evening, so the "Cornucopia Concert" was added to showcase the overflow pieces.

Originally, "Waiting" was supposed to be just one of many pieces in which I was NOT dancing between the two concerts. But at a friend's party the weekend before tech weekend/week--less than two weeks before open--I was goofing/showing off, and tore my MCL. The choreographers had picked me to dance in 7 numbers, and had to recast or rechoreograph all of them, because of my poor judgement.

Ironically, I had started taking dance to help rehab my other MCL, and now the same injury on the other knee threatened to end my budding dance "career".

Fortunately for me, Kerri had been preparing this structured improv with a mutual guitar player friend, who apparently decided a paying gig that unexpectedly came up was more important--leaving her in the lurch.

I believe (but am not sure) it was Dawn who recommended asking me to provide music in Randy's place, so that "Waiting" would not be cut. Graciously, Kerri agreed, and God used their decision to provide to me a small amount of Grace and Mercy. The emotional ache of spending those literally thousands of hours in preparation and then not being able to dance was still very great. But being asked to help Kerri facilitate her dance was nearly as humbling, and something for which I was truly able to be Grateful, in the midst of crying myself to sleep for two weeks. Grateful for God's Grace in the midst of my self-created storm. God Bless You, Viewer, and thanks for watching.

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[BlackJaPanther]

@Angelsnrmist2 Thanks, Cheryl. Actually have posted several lately, but just not public. Will send them to you privately. GBY.

[Angelsnrmist2]

My Dear AP Friend in Christ , So good to see you posting ...Would Love to see more God Bless and keep you well Hi to your Dad,

Cyber Hugs,

Your Friend Cheryl

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