Ema and I have been taking a Thai dance workshop every Tuesday afterschool for a month now.
It was a class offered to the students, but I showed up on the first day and asked if parents could come too.
Have you ever seen any Thai dance? Ever seen the King and I? It may look slow and simple, but it is much harder than it looks! And my hands and wrists are sore after each week. 
We have been learning at a fairly quick pace. I find I must put away my former dance teacher mind and just try to keep up with the new moves, terminology and music. The music is difficult for me, as I cannot find a meter like I can with ‘western’ music, counting off my beats in sets of 8 or 4. There does not seem to be a steady underlying rythm, but it is probably just my untrained ear to Thai music.
Ema and I missed a week. Oops.
When we came back, I was told that in my absence, the teachers decided that I would be doing a solo of the Mahnora dance for the teacher inservice in May.
Ummm, I had not planned on participating with the girls for any recital. This is a student class after all.
The plan was for the kids to do the dances for the teacher development session in May, which deals with cultural awareness for the staff and teachers at Grace. Inservices of this kind are required by the Department of Education. I am all for them, but not sure I am all for yours truly doing a solo.
Apparently, there is only one costume for the Mahnora dance.
A bird costume.
I looked for a picture on the web, but could not find one. I will decide after the fact if I will post one after my performance. (we will see not only what it looks like, but what I look like in it! )
My previous Thai teacher has done some performances at language school, and her outfits have always been gorgeous. However, they have also been for small little bodies. I am not, cough cough, Thai-sized.
No, I will not be holding a lit candle while I am dancing. Let’s not get crazy. Besides, I would probably set my wings on fire.
Looks like a good time to get back on “The Eating Plan”. Nothing like being on display for motivation, right?
I am eager to see Ema all dressed and pressed for her Thai dance though. And I admit, I have really enjoyed Thai dance class. And even though I am nervous and not very confident about my upcoming debut, I don’t truly mind. The experience already has helped me build some relationships with the Thai teachers at Grace and practice my Thai too! Perhaps I can encourage others to do the same and step out beyond those comfort zones.
My old teacher, Khwaan is in the white. Aren’t those dresses beautiful?
