Sunday, April 25, 2010

Just Dance!

I have “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga stuck in my head. It replays itself over and over in my head. I simply cannot get rid of it. Its presence in my head is not because I secretly love the song. And, I really do love that song. It is in my head because those were the instructions given to me last week at my abuela’s birthday party.
I thought, really, I just have to dance with my abuela. There are many things that I can do to help out during the party. I can wash dishes and keep the kitchen clean which is my favorite activity to do. I can serve drinks to the guests and practice my Spanish at the same time. I can pick up trash. There is a small group of kids outside and I wonder if they want another player in “Duck, Duck, Goose.” I can run fast in a small circle. I play well with others. I am skilled in so many things and different areas. However, I needed to dance and I did exactly that. I danced with her, my uncle Eddie, my aunt Mersa, and my cousins to every song that was playing.
Throughout the party, everyone took turns dancing with her. Each person was utilizing a different dance. Sometimes, it was the Cueca. Other times, it was the Morenada. Both are great Bolivian dances. As each person danced with her, her demeanor changed. She was laughing with her whole body and smiling from cheek to cheek. There was a sparkle in her eyes and an overwhelming sense of joy that was present in her. She was filled with happiness. This moment meant so much to her because she was surrounded by so many people that love her. What a wonderful birthday gift!