Roar of the Crowd
Do you ever really get over your first love? I have to think a person never really does. As I have written previously—my first real love was my love of the theater and that bug bit me hard and deep when I was a young girl. So many times during my childhood, when I had very little to hang on to, what kept me going was the belief that I would one day ‘make it’ in the theater.
This last weekend, I was lucky enough to see the play Billy Elliott, which threw me back into an earlier time of my life—a period where I really was happy, if only for a short time. Moreover, seeing the play made me recall how important that first love was in my life.
Billy Elliott is an amazing and inspiring story. For those of you not familiar, Billy Elliott is a hit musical, which first debuted in London and which is currently on Broadway. The story takes place during the 1984 – 1985 United Kingdom’s miner strike. Young Billy's father takes him to the local gym for boxing lessons but after taking part, he learns that he really doesn't like the sport.
As he hangs around afterward, a ballet class begins and young Billy finds himself drawn to dance and begins secretly taking lessons and Billy simply excels—he truly is born to dance. Billy’s father learns of his son’s devotion to ballet and demands he stop taking lessons—but after seeing him dance, his father supports his auditioning for the Royal Ballet. Of course, it is an inspiring story about a young boy finding happiness in a gender bending extra-curricular activity but equally important is the political statement about class warfare in a not too distant time—something that still threatens both developed and undeveloped countries.
The play held me captive from beginning to end. I was immediately transported to seeing the struggles of the working class during the 1980's miner’s strike in the UK and I was mesmerized by seeing a young boy’s dreams come true. I was also transported to an earlier time in my own life—when theater was absolutely everything to me. As I sat there, transfixed, tears of conflicting emotions poured down my face. Yes, they were tears in awe of an amazing production, but there were also tears of remembering one of the happiest times of my young life, when the possibility of dreams still held such promise. Finally, there were tears of loss—remembering how I gave up on that dream whereas Billy fulfilled his.
Sir Elton John wrote the music for this play—after being so inspired by the movie that was produced in 2000. He left the theater with tears streaming down his face and not long after, put his amazing talent to helping create the Broadway musical. For those of you unable to go see the play, you can watch the movie (which is also incredible, I am told) or buy the CD. I highly recommend it.
I don’t really know what the future will hold. I know I will likely never try professional acting again but seeing Billy Elliott made me long for the theater. As I sat enthralled by the magic that only live theater holds, I longed to experience the pure joy I used to feel, long before the rigors of being a struggling young actress, standing in cattle call lines and holding my own self-worth as a reflection of my success (or failure) in the theater.
I might just have to look into some local community theaters. I’d love to be on the stage one more time—to experience the exaltation of live theater—to once again smell the greasepaint—and hear the applause of the crowd.
Peace,
Melinda
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Categories: Childhood,Theater,Lost Dreams,Happiness,Inspiration
Tags: dance inspiration love of the theater broadway musicals class warfare Billy Elliott
I have seen the movie "Billy Elliott" and I loved it. I'm sure the play was even more wonderful; there really is something magical about live theater. I can't remember having a first love but I do enjoy seeing other people find and follow their first loves. My daughter is 5, almost 6, and one of the most rewarding parts of raising her is watching her develop her loves and passions. I do hope, Melinda, that you find a way back to theater in some fashion because it really is a loss when we miss or lose any form of love in our lives.
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Thanks for stopping by, Jennnifer! I haven't yet seen the movie, Billy Elliott--but I think I will now. Part of the reason why the play was so fantastic was because of the music by Sir Elton John--it really is incredible (I also need to mention that in my post! Yikes!).
How wonderful to watch your daughter develop those passions--children are such a true joy to watch. I would not be surprised if I did do some local theater at some point--seeing the play really made me want to do that.
Melinda
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Ciao Melinda!!
I saw Billy Elliot the movie. I loved it and the message of the movie was so pure and inspiring. I went to ballet for 2 years when I was younger ^_^. I bet seeing the play was amazing!
Ooh my first love is drawing for sure!
Have to say, I put it aside for many years and I focused on school. Both my parents come from an environment where a 'proper' education is important. And being an illustrator wasn't part of this. But the last few years, my love for drawing & writing has come back and I can't put it aside anymore. I can't settle down with a day job from 8 to 5. I feel kinda trapped, don't know how to explain it differently.
I have worked for several companies and after 2/3 months I've seen enough and I need a new challenge. It can be very annoying though, because I need money to pay the bills and buy school books etc. And job hopping can be good till a certain point, because an employer can think that you aren't reliable enough.
But I will work hard to do something for myself, because illustrating things and see the happiness it brings to others is amazing
You know I would love to see you act on stage ^_^. I hope you get the chance in a local theater or something! Follow your heart and I wish you all the luck!
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Ciao TJ!
Yes--the play was so awesome and after seeing it, I want to see the movie and read the book!
I am not at all surprised to hear that your first love is drawing--because you are an amazing illustrator! As a matter of fact, I showed your illustrations to my friend Eddie when I was in NYC!
My upbringing was very similar to yours--both of my parents have advanced degrees and they both stressed that very much but me, being ever so rebellious, decided to buck the 'system' and go for the theater!
I am so glad that your love of drawing has inspired you to do it now--and you are so very good at it!
Thanks so much, as always, for stopping by Melindaville!
Take care,
Melinda
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Hahaha you can't get rid of me anymore ^_^! I will stop by whenever I can!
You've shown my illustrations to Eddie...as in Edward Hemingway? No way! Oh my gosh! What did he say? I'm kinda speechless here...
*tries to regain her normal self*
But thank you so much for your kind words as always! I still have so many things to learn and techniques I need to study, but to get so much positive feedback really lifts my spirit and makes me so happy! I got a comment of one of my fave illustrators Kei Acedera! I was bouncing around my room hahaha!
Take care!!
TJ
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Yes, that is the same Eddie! He thought you were really talented and he also told me that he thought you had the talent to do children's books (what he does) so that really is something you should consider in the future, TJ! I have often thought your illustrations would be wonderful in children's books!
No matter who we are, we all have more to learn--that's one of the real beauties in life--that no matter how accomplished we become, we can all grow in whatever our talents are. But you have a great foundation, TJ--and I do mean that most sincerely.
Take care yourself, my friend!
Melinda
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Oh my! How cool! Aah I'm so happy now haha *dances around*. Many many many thanks Melinda! I really just want to give you a BIG HUG ^_^!
When you see/speak him again, can you please tell him that I really, really appreciate his words!
Yes. I've been playing around with that idea for awhile now, to illustrate children books! Ever since you and NP and a few others mentioned it! It's truly a huge compliment for me! I will work on a portfolio and I have an idea for a children book as well! Ooh so many ideas float through my mind haha!
Till next time! Ciao!
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Oh good! I am so happy to hear that made your day!
That's wonderful that you are going to put together a portfolio! Please allow me to see it when you have finished! I can also send it off to Eddie so he can give his imput--I am certain he would not mind at all.
See you later, TJ!
Melinda
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Melinda, you would really do that for me!? Oh my! That is too kind! I don't know what to say again! Of course you may see my portfolio, you'll be one of the first that I will show my portfolio too
Thank you so much for believing in me ^_^! It really means a lot to me.
Ciao!!
TJ
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Oh, you are so welcome, TJ--but really, it is my pleasure!
Melinda
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I used to have a subscription to San Jose's Civic Light Opera (CLO). The productions were very well done and I enjoyed it very much... perhaps you could look into something like that?
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I have heard of that theater production company--and that's a great idea. I do think I iwll look into it. It would be a lot of fun to do another play.
Melinda
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Melinda, thanks for writing more about your life and your first love.
Now, I also want to tell you about my first love: "I was too sensitive in my childhood and I think I was not raised as a normal child. And the lack of education is one of it's major reasons. I found that most parents don't have any knowledge of taking of the innocence of their child. Because I was raised in an environment where a child is dealt like an adult, I remember that I used to watch romance movies with adult members of our family when even I was just a 7 year old child. Such an enviroment had made me an abnormal child and later an abnormal adult.
Melinda, I wanted to get rid of mine and others abnormality, therefore I started to take interest in learning of human nature. That's why to become a psychologist became my first love. But unfortunately, I was unable to study psychology."
Melinda, I was unable to get my love while you became a psychologist and achieved something wich was my love.
An actor pleases and entertains people while a psychologist serves humanity by by providing psychological assistance to people who even come near to suicide etc.
Melinda, being a great psychologist you are already serving nicely, so why are you thinking of acting again. Melinda,
Remain a bigger package, take care of my first love and forget about yours.
Wish you all the best for my first love.
Your Reader from a Distant Place,
Ibn Hanif
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Dear Ibn Hanif,
Thank you so much for telling me about your childhood and the circumstances that formed your life--that was very interesting.
I do want to reassure that I have no intention of stopping my work in psychology--I absolutely love what I do. If I did do a community theater play, it would be for no money--and it would not be professional--it would simply be something 'fun' to do. It would not be a professional activity, I can assure you of that! And of course, I would never become involved in a play if it meant taking time away from my primary work--which is teaching psychology.
While the theater was my first love -- it is not my greatest love! My greatest (most important) love is the work I do today--I was lucky enough to find a profession that I am truly passionate about.
You know, my friend--it is not too late for you to become a psychologist! People begin second, third, or even fourth careers during their lives. What I always tell my students is--find a job that you are passionate about because if you do, you will never have to work!
Thanks so much for stopping by--
Melinda
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Melinda, you should totally check out some independent companies so you can go back to theater. I know is kind of hard because you live in 2 places during the year but, I think that if you have that need you should fulfill it.
I would love to study acting again. I was in the drama club in middle school but, they canceled the program due to lack of funding
Maybe when I get a real job I will try again, either that or go back to play the flute. I need some art in my life
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Hi Diana,
Nice to see you here! How interesting that you also were in the theater AND that you played the flute! I played the flute from the time I was about 10 years old until I was 17.
I feel that the arts are so important in our lives--and it is such a shame that so many art programs are now being cut from schools. Kids who are involved in the arts (research shows) do much better academically in all other areas than those who do not.
Thanks for stopping by!
Melinda
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Community theater sounds like a great idea. There are summer repertory companies everywhere doing a wonderful job offering four or five plays a season. Most of the actors are non-professionals and always look like they're having a marvelous time. As for my first love, pretentious as it may seem, I'd have to say-happiness. It's all I ever really cared about and still care about. There are lots of things I enjoy-exercise, writing, nature, people-but happiness and love of life come first.
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NP,
I do think I am going to look into the theater--it's a lot of fun, I know!
Melinda
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It's great Melinda! I am much pleased to know that Psychology is your greatest love. Melinda, it's really a great service of humanity. Thank you so much for your advice to me.
Dear sister, I am very happy that you took so much time for replying to my comment. I can't forget your kind response. But Melinda, Seeing you serving as a psychologist makes me forget my loss. I wish to keep following your blog to get the pleasure of reading you seving as a psychologist. My greatest love is to Learn The Holy Quran and teach it while continuing my job in electrictal technology.
Thank you once more for being "The Bigger Package".
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Hello my dear friend, Ibn Hanif--
I'd say that you are well on your way to being a great teacher of the Quran--
Take care,
Melinda
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Melinda, I am back for I forgot to tell you about my love of nature photography. I have published them on my photography blog : www.LifeNatureAndMe.Blogspot.Com
Melinda, I know you also have interest in nature so want to see what you say about my photos.
Thanks in advance.....
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Dear Ibn Hanif--
Thank you so much for letting me know--I shall visit it now!
Melinda
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O Melinda, Thank you once more for giving your precious time to visit my blog.
Although, my photography is not worth that much appreciation but I am very much happy the way you have encouraged me.
I am honored to have your kind and sweeat words on my blog.
Dear sister, I know you are a wise psychologist and are well aware of encouraging and motivating the beginers.
Your sincerety proves to be a bonus in this regard.
May God give you more and more wisdom and stregnth to do much more in the field of psychology. Ameen
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Thank you so much for your kind words--I really appreciate them! I hope to be able to help a lot of people--that's for sure!
Melinda
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Hi Melinda, I'm sorry I've been absent from commenting on your blog! I have been reading of course, but somehow not making it over here to leave comments. Like you mentioned for yourself and Les, things have been so hectic of late for me!
I haven't seen the theatre show but have seen the movie. It's utterly marvellous and I think its awesome Elton decided to turn it into a show, to share with others. He also created the score for it - how wonderful!
I know what you mean about longing for the stage. I think at some point in the not too distant future, I'll get back to dancing. I do love it!
So definitely, if you can find time in your schedule to get into some local theatre then I say go for it! It'll never be quite the same as the Shakespeare Company you were in, but I'm sure it'll satisfy that itch somehow.
Stay well, Melinda.
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Hey Svasti! Nice to see you! I understand that things get busy--and I really appreciate your coming over to make a comment.
I really do think I am going to look into some community theater. I just got in touch with an old friend from the New Shakespeare Company and he told me that he misses it also. I think it never really gets completely out of your system!
Melinda
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I remember the last time I was at the theater. I was visiting London many years ago. At that time is was easy to get in, cheap and the productions were top quality. I miss that.
I saw the movie, Billy Elliot and it indeed was wonderful. A great story AND film.
As I get older I often reflect on what I've done and what I still want to do.
We must never stop dreaming,even in a small way. I say, absolutely GO FOR IT!
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Hey OoTG--
Thanks so much for stopping by! Your comment reminded me of one of my favorite sayings, which is "Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained!" My philosophy in life is to definitely go for it!
Take care,
Melinda
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