Becoming

Several of my classmates practiced long and hard for a 'filler', scheduled for a slot between a few competing groups from the dance fraternity @ our annual cultural cum management fest, Melange.

I saw them go at it from the beginning - a good 2 weeks prior to the event - relentless in their attempt to outdo themselves. Painstaking efforts from a few 'stiff dancers' were evident and the support from (direct) non performing individuals was ubiquitous.

At the start (as critical as I can be & often have I been told that), everyone was out of sync and people forgot cues crucial to their contribution. Sometimes people weren't on time for practice, a basic necessity for group dynamics to unfold without hiccups. Over time, this entire act moulded itself into a form that took a pleasant shape - one that finally gave everyone (read:performers) their due worth and the audience, more than just 'another stage act'.

They had everyone spellbound. A groovy track selection, crisp and catchy dialogues and a theme based on a confused soul in life caught up with everyone in the crowd. And even though these 15+ individuals were least bothered about competing, they won praises from the judge at end. Praises that shot them to cloud 9.... as merited.

For all the time I stood there watching, a nagging thought made me prouder of my mates by the minute - they did spectacularly well for themselves and were having so much fun doing it, it made me want to scramble up onstage and be with them for that moment. A moment which lasted 15 minutes.

Hats off to each and every one of you.
No one is going to forget that brilliant show you put up.
Ganpat will be back with his troop someday.