Let's take a step back.
One of the traditions of Bikram's teacher training graduation ceremony is a choreographed performance of the 26 postures demonstrated by 25-30 hand selected teacher trainees (aka the "demo team"). Lasting about 15 minutes, the sequence of postures is performed on stage in perfect unison, set to music, and narrated by Rajashree (Bikram's wife).
Last week those of us who felt we have a strong yoga practice were called upon to volunteer to audition. Lots of people showed up. After several fierce rounds of auditions in front of Bikram and other in-charge people, there were many eliminations, and I'm happy to say that I made the final cut.
I am so, so excited, and very honored to be on the demo team, to represent my fellow teacher trainees on stage and to perform in front of Bikram, Rajashree, Emmy, my friends, and everybody else at graduation this Saturday. Saturday also happens to be my birthday. What a gift, right?!
All week long, after each yoga class the demo team stays late to practice and rehearse the choreography, timing, and transitions for the presentation. This means that now instead of doing 3 hours of yoga a day, the demo team is doing 5 hours of yoga a day. We've kissed any semblance of our free time goodbye in this final week. Our muscles are stiff and tight. We're operating on overdrive. But our spirits are high, and the vibe has been mostly positive and happy. Personally, even though I'm exhausted, and my hamstrings are about to snap like over stretched rubber bands, I am loving the physical challenge of working through the fatigue. And this unexpected extra experience of bonding with new friends has been really nice.
I think the performance is going to be very beautiful. I hope I can get a good quality video to post to my blog afterward.
In rehearsal this morning.
My only worry right right now is that I have ZERO time to work on my dialogue. Zero. I teach my first real yoga class in 4 days. I'm concerned about how in the world I'm going to recite 90 minutes of a dialogue I've barely looked at in 2 weeks.
Things always have a way of coming together at the end. I'll study hard on the 5 hour flight home on Sunday. I know it will be okay.
2 comments:
You are going to be tremendous! Congratulations on being chosen, dear friend!
Definitely a gift, and a gifted person! Happy early birthday and many congratulations! You have done more than many of us dream; there's no doubt in my mind that you will continue to soar. But most of all, enjoy! I can't wait to see the video if you get it!
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