Baseball games and ballet.
The research groups that I have been working with over the summer decided to go see that Salem Red Sox last night. I went simply because I have not been to a baseball game since I was eight years old. I held a grudge against baseball for many years. My biological father loved baseball but I didn't for two reasons. My ballet lessons happened to be on the same nights that his company played against other teams. So instead of sacrificing his needs for mine, I was taken out of ballet because of the time conflict. Needless to say, my mom flipped out and I really wanted to go back to ballet. The second reason why is because every time I went to a game, I was always hit by a baseball.
The day had been hot and humid and we were lucky enough to be on the shady side of the field to watch the game. We were not broiling or attacked by gnats. Even though we were watching the game, I do believe that there was a bit more socializing involved than actual game-watching. A couple of the students went down to get their picture taken with the mascot, Mugsy. Mugsy looks like he could use a good night's sleep. The Sox had a rough night and were down by six runs by the ninth inning when I left. Three hours at a ball field. Chalk up a win for baseball. I wish they had healthier food options there considering that I am gluten-free and forgot to grab dinner before heading to the field. So it was ice cream in a gluten-filled cone because they charged an extra three dollars to put it in a baseball helmet. So I paid the price for that last night while I was trying to sleep. The company of the people that I know made up for any discomfort.
I am a dancer. I love to dance. I was always willing to explore new options in dance. Since my ballet days, I have taken Hawaiian Dance. We learned the Hukilau, Bali Hai, and the Bora Bora. Stop swinging your hips folks, it's in the knees! We even helped our teacher out by dancing at a presentation at the Salem Civic Center quite a few years back. I would take more classes in Hawaiian Dance in a heartbeat.
The day had been hot and humid and we were lucky enough to be on the shady side of the field to watch the game. We were not broiling or attacked by gnats. Even though we were watching the game, I do believe that there was a bit more socializing involved than actual game-watching. A couple of the students went down to get their picture taken with the mascot, Mugsy. Mugsy looks like he could use a good night's sleep. The Sox had a rough night and were down by six runs by the ninth inning when I left. Three hours at a ball field. Chalk up a win for baseball. I wish they had healthier food options there considering that I am gluten-free and forgot to grab dinner before heading to the field. So it was ice cream in a gluten-filled cone because they charged an extra three dollars to put it in a baseball helmet. So I paid the price for that last night while I was trying to sleep. The company of the people that I know made up for any discomfort.
Now, I realize that it is not the sport's fault for my frustration and it may very well have been misplaced. I just may simply never love baseball as much as I do football. At least I have given a non-human entity another chance to exist in my life without fear of retribution, for now.
It's another reason why I love Tai Chi. Yes, it is a martial art but it is also one of the most beautiful forms of movement that one can encounter. I am a klutz in life. I trip over invisible objects, walk into walls, etc., but I can dance.
Where else can you creatively express yourself and let go of emotions but through dance? In joy, anger, and sadness, all of it can be worked out through dance and music.
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