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Thursday 13 September 2012

John


The other evening on my T.V. screen
I watched blind ballet dancers
performing a routine.
I couldn't help but think of John,
my friend from art school. He had danced
in various roles in several ballets,
modern and traditional,
a member of a premier company -
until they had to let him go.
Myopia, the fatal flaw.

9 comments:

Mary said...

That must have been quite amazing to watch blind ballet dancers. I cannot imagine dancing ballet even when sighted.

Carl said...

hmm - Myopia on the dance company's part I should think.

Brian Miller said...

my wife was a ballerina for 18 years....it is incredible to watch...and i imagine all the more so blind....its brutal too when your time comes....

The Weaver of Grass said...

Goodness me, Dave - how times have changed in that even blind people can dane now. I think our whole attitude has changed.

Cloudia said...

A Zen koan of a piece!


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ds said...

I agree with Carl. What an amazing testament to the spirit of those dancers.

Elephant's Child said...

Dancing like no-one is looking (including yourself) is a wonderful thing. And yes, the dance companies were myopic and intolerant to make your friend leave something he loved.

Janine Bollée said...

Didn't see the programme you mention, but would have thought dancing would fit the bill excellently: some senses are enhanced when another is absent. Are you sure he wasn't amongst the ones you saw? [if time has passed ].

Dave King said...

Mary
It was. There was also a short performance by some as part of the closing ceremony for the paralympics. Another unbelievable achievement!

Carl
Well said. Quite agree. Dufficulty of positioning on stage, was their reason, I believe.

Brian
What ballerinas are willing to put themselves through is so brutal, that leaving must be likewise, I should imagine.

The Weaver of Grass
It's difficult to keep up at times. Once things start to change the pace seems to increase phenominally.

Cloudia
Wow! Praise indeed, thanks.

Comfort Spiral
Good to hear from you. Thanks.

ds
No arguments there!

The Elephants Child
Yes, I thought so at the time, but it really came home to me seeing the blind dancers.

aprille
Not sure. no. Came in ine the middle of it.