( Intermediate Level )
At eight years old, Chara knew she wanted to become a dancer. She had seen a dancing competition show on television and was, immediately, mesmerized.
Whenever she heard music, her body would move. She would move around the room interpreting each chord.
She told her mother that, one day, she would be famous. Her mother would frown and tell her that she needed to get such a silly notion out of her head. “You know your father would never permit this.”
Chara was hoping to graduate from high school and move to America where she could study dance at the Juilliard School in the upper west side of New York.
Was this a dream or could she really make this happen? She was determined to make it happen. Her mom’s words never dampened her spirit.
As the years passed, Chara’s natural talents were obvious. At age sixteen, she had become more confident in her abilities.
Still, not having any formal training, she would perform for the young girls in her village. Always receiving huge smiles and an ovation after each performance.
Chara had always timed her performances while her dad was at work. He felt her dancing was silly. He had told her she was to marry a nice boy, soon, and to give up this idea of hers.
One late afternoon, while Chara was helping her mother prepare dinner, she heard a group of younger girls outside chanting ,“Chara! Come out ,come out and dance!”.
She looked at her mom, her mom smiled and nodded. This was Chara’s cue that it would be ok.
Chara ran to her bedroom, grabbed her radio and then ran outside. To her surprise not only a group of young girls were standing by her door but, what seemed to be, the whole village. Mothers and fathers and grandparents!
It was an intimidating scene for her. She had never performed for such a large gathering. She took a deep breath, turned and set the radio on the ground. She turned it on and listened to the music.
She took a quick glance back and closed her eyes. She took a deep breath and let her body interpret the music. She moved gracefully around her front yard. Her body tells a story to the music.
Chara could hear the crowd, as she danced, and their sounds of appreciation. Only opening her eyes periodically. She let her mind be free, with the music.
She had not realized, as the song ended, that the crowd had become silent. As she finished, she opened her eyes to find her father standing in front of her. He looked down at her and just stared.
He had gotten home much earlier than expected. He saw the crowd standing in front of his house and pushed his way through to find out what was happening.
At that distinct moment, Chara felt a shiver of fright. Her father had told her to give up this silly idea of hers. He had his own ideas for her future.
Was he going to be upset? Was he going to make a scene?
The crowd stood there in complete silence as father and daughter stared at one another. The group of girls had no idea of tension in the air and began to clap and squeal in utter happiness.
Chara’s father stood, very silent, gazing into his daughter’s eyes. Then, she noticed a small tear run down his cheek.
At that moment, he said,” My Chara, my quiet one. You have shown me I was wrong. I just witnessed something I refused to see before. My little girl had grown up to be a graceful young woman. You danced so beautifully!”
At that moment, Chara wrapped her arms around her dad as he kissed her on the forehead. She held her father tight, she thought she may never become famous, as she once dreamt, but she would be in her father’s eyes.
Written by: Angel
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Vocabulary:
mesmerized: hold the attention of someone
interpreting: explain the meaning of word(s) or regarding actions
frown: facial expression showing unhappiness
notion: impulse or desire
dampened: less strong
determined: not changing one’s idea or thoughts
ovation: applause by clapping
chanting: say or shout in a singing tone
cue: a signal
intimidating: threatening effect.
glance: brief look.
appreciation: recognition
shiver: tremble
tension: emotional upset
utter: complete
gazing: look with intent
Question(s):
When you were young, had you a dream to become someone famous?
Is it important to stop something you love to do when family feels it is not important for your future?
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