Who Said I Cannot Dance?

Published 27 May 2018

Looking at the accompanying pictures, one would assume that this was always a sunny day. The truth is way different. When I left my room to head to the Fountain Party hosted by the Stanford African Students Association (SASA), the sky was overcast and there was a chilly breeze. Nonetheless I put on my elephant tank top, shorts, sunglasses, and my "ethnic" necklace. With my tribe's powers from elephants all around the world, I hoped my optimism could bring the sun out. Dressing as though it was sunny was my way of demonstrating faith that the universe will reconfigure itself to give us a sunny day. Over the years, I have come to appreciate the power of wishful thinking and hope. Maybe I have no powers to reconfigure the universe, but believing I do has given me the balls to dance on fire many times before. 

The clouds began to disperse as soon as I reached the Termin Fountain. African tunes blasted out from the mobile sound system with Dj Koko on the 1s and 2s. Nobody was dancing yet. I took off my sandals and entered the water. It was initially cold but I got used to it within minutes. Growing up I was always told by my family members that I was a bad dancer, especially by my late aunt who compared me to her brother, my father. It is a pity she is not here to watch me have fun. Not long after I had started dancing, most people hopped into the water and we all danced. I will admit they are way better dancers than me, with exceptional coordination. So do not let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. Go ahead and try whatever you want to do, the water might be cold when you first dip your feet in but you will get used to it. Most importantly, you will be able to attract people who can do that better than you and together you can create magic. I am grateful Thierry and Blessing encouraged my dancing. The truly talented, those who are not insecure about their talent, will mentor you as you dip in.

There will always be problems. Our party was threatened by a couple of challenges. First were technical issues that forced Dj Koko to disconnect his system and have Peace play from her phone. Peace had some fire tunes as well. In a collaborative environment, problems are easily solved together. Next was the "Bases Spring Party" which, as Chiamaka accurately put it, tried to gentrify us from the fountain we had reserved. First they put up a banner that read "Bases Spring Party". Second up some guy took measurements of the fountain (weird, I know). Next the inflated their flotation devices and put them into  the water. By the time I left, they had tables in the water, and were playing beer pong. Two take aways from this is 1. Gentrification is real. 2. Their technique is impressive, as much as I hate to admit it. When up against a well established system, take persistent and incremental steps until you win.

Overall it was a great afternoon. Thank you to everyone who made it the great time it was.