"The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera." - Dorothea Lange

Saturday, August 31, 2013

day nine



Last night we threw a dance party. In a hot, steamy classroom. The throbbing music was provided by a handful of older boys on some borrowed equipment. No one got ready by primping in front of a mirror. The clothing was casual, to say the least. No one wore shoes. There was one lonely bare light bulb dangling in the middle of the room. No decorations anywhere. No chaperones or punch. No sneaking outside for booze. Older kids making sure the little ones had fun. (There may or may not have been some twerking involved.)

We all danced our hearts out and had the best time ever.

At one point, Natalie and I went outside to cool off. We were watching the scene through the metal bars of the window. She turned to me and asked, "Have you ever seen such joy?"

I'm not sure I ever have.

A roomful of joy. Spilling out into the black, starry Ugandan night.

We have been so lucky to be here.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

These kids clearly understand the concept of dancing as if no one is watching or, if they are, not caring -- simply caught up in the joy of the music and the freedom to be. Isn't it fun that you get to be a part of that, if just for a little while? Thanks for sharing this brief video. MJ