Last night I performed with Rich at a fundraiser for Reverend Billy who is running against Michael Bloomberg for mayor of New York City. "The Rev" is a personal friend of Ken's and mine, and Ken stepped up to spearhead last night's event, which turned out wonderfully. The event was held at the DNA Lounge in SF, a space I hadn't visited in awhile. Every time I go there I am always impressed with their lighting and sound systems.
The performances of the evening included the Loyd Family Players, DJ Smoove, Rich Porter, myself, The Cheesepuffs burlesque troupe, and a few other entertainers. The Loyd Family Players really brought it last night. Their energy is undeniably uplifting and guaranteed to get your booty shakin'. Rich and I were scheduled to "jump in" and perform during their set.
Rich and I warmed up back stage in the green room prior to our performances. Hanging out back stage with Rich and Lauren was one of several highlights of the evening for me; I love spending time with them. Rich and I discussed a game plan of who would go first. I was ambivalent until I was watching Rich warm up. I felt my "small voice" inside my head nagging about how I haven't been practicing enough. Watching Rich provides a very visual testament to the results born of regular practice. I decided that I would go first for us and Rich would close us out. I actually ended up book-ending our show with a second short performance after Rich.
In short, this performance was a train wreck for me. Firstly, I had too much stuff on my head. My dreads were too long and kept getting tangled in the hoop. Secondly, I haven't been practicing enough. Which led me to drop my hoop and mess up a lot. *sigh*. I comforted myself by remembering the words GlitterGirl, founder of Temple of Poi, said to me after a solo fire performance where I dropped my hoop: "Sh** happens." It certainly does, and when it does it provides a fantastic contrast of that which I desire. Based on last night's show, the bottom line is this: I need to hoop more. And wear shorter Rosie Doos.
Now to cut myself some slack, until recently I had been incredibly focused on the production of Movement Play. And now I've enjoyed a bit of recovery time, and am mellowing out and shifting focus. *ahhhh*. It's all happening in the perfect time...
I'll be heading to Oregon tomorrow night with Ken for our friend's wedding this weekend. I'll certainly be taking my hoops, and playing with them for at least a bit each day. On Sunday night we'll be attending a big celebratory outdoor dance party for the wedding, Burning Man-style. There is certain to be some hooping action there.
