Maria’s Beledi Dance group performed Sunday afternoon at the Universalist Church in Bennington, Vt. to celebrate Pride Month and Pride Day. It was a beautiful performance, joyous, powerful, and inspiring.
The group was utterly in synch with one another and performed so well and upliftingly that the crowd started clapping with the music, almost as
if they were listening to a beautiful Gospel choir. The group worked for months on this performance, and you could tell they moved together like a block of geese with rhythm and style.
I put down my camera for a while and slapped with the crowd cheering. That is a first. The dancing gave great strength to the people watching and listening. It gave great strength to me.
(I also shed my surgical boot, walked a mile to park, and got to the performance. It wore me out but felt awfully good to start walking again. I wore my first brace.)
(Julz Irons, Maria’s dancing teacher.)
I just got home and am swamped; I’ll put up some more photos later on; I know Maria will want to put up her own on her website, fullmoonfiberart.com. She has first rights; I chose four photos to share. I was privileged to take pictures of the performance, which nearly had me in tears.
This was a spiritual experience powered by work, love, friendship, and commitment to something much bigger than most people, including me, realized.
The group will perform at the North Bennington Public Library in a few weeks at 7:30 p.m., July 5th. I’ll be there.
For many reasons, the group has become essential to Maria and her life; I have never seen her so comfortable, relaxed, and full of spirit on stage as this afternoon.
The friendship between these women and their commitment to dance is deeply moving.
She overcame a mountain of fear and doubt to get this far; it has paid off wonderfully.
Kathleen, a Beledi teacher, and leader, yipping support, as the dancers call it, zaghareet.
The group responds to every performance as if it were at Carnegie Hall in front of thousands of people. They work hard, research, help one another, and support each other. I keep thinking this is something men can never do outside of sports or war.
It was a wonderful and stirring time. The audience was so into it; it did almost feel like a revival performance. The dancers and the audience were feeding off one another almost from the start. It was electric. The group moved as one thing, in complete sync and trust.
Emily and the dancers.
Kathleen again, she has a powerful presence when she dances.
You can see the look on Maria’s face. She looks happier than ever. Like this is what she was born to do. Just check out that awesome smile! I can absolutely see why you support her in this. I bet when she comes home from practice she’s just bubbling over. I wish I lived closer I’d love to see one of these events. I knew a couple of belly dancers years ago & I was so amazed by their talent & dedication.
Before I met them I’d always related it to go-go dancing but boy was I wrong. They have bodies of athletes & exhibit so much mind over matter with each dance.
I’d love to see a video of one of their performances.
You two are both something & both have such interesting lives. I just can’t wait every day to read your blog & see what you’re up to next. Bud’s still the star & ruler of the whole farm but all you guys aren’t far behind.
Hugs to Maria, you, Zinnia & Fate and hand salute to Colonel Bud. Have yourselves the best day possible.
Steve, has voiced my thoughts well. Everyday, I looked forward to your blog. You ease my fears and not to feel so overwhelmed.
Sharing your life’s journey and personal growth inspires me. At 88, I’m learning more about meditation and better foods to eat.
Like you, I have had some health challenges, but I am mending. I find each day is a new opportunity to enjoy life and do better.
I love the zest you have for eating well, your family, your friends, the farm, the Manor, Bishop Gibbon HS, your flowers, and your photography. The antics of your animals amuse me, I especially love those hens.
I’m amazed at all the books you read, movies you view, and places you visit.
Best of all is the love and pride you have for Maria. and your understanding that her work is important.. Your marriage is an example of how a loving marriage works.
always something have experienced both the good and the bad, you teach me to and know lotsinspired me to take better care of myself. meditate, eat much better we are old and our bones feel even older.