Years ago, I performed a version of this solo as a structured improv directed by the inimitable Francesca Harper, whom I had the pleasure of dancing with on several occasions over the years on and off Broadway. It was originally a part of her show “Obamania,” and it brought together her (and my) support for his re-election with her honor for her father, who was a veteran. It morphed over that first year depending on the performance spaces, some of which were very very small.
When I performed it at the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference and Festival in Los Angeles in 2011, the solo cured so-to-speak, becoming more set as the movement punctuating Obamas words could hardly be separated from them thereafter. So I danced the solo sparingly.
When I agreed to dance it this time, ten years from that fateful IABD occasion (also on youtube), I forgot to look at it first. Unsure what made me think this was a good idea at forty-something, I rehearsed it in the run-throughs for the Luminario Gala where I was being honored for my contribution to the company. I was inspired by Daniel Ulbricht - yes Daniel, this is your fault - because I had watched him over the years step on to the Dance Against Cancer Gala stage in a full suit, say words with partner-in-crime Erin Fogarty, dash backstage, throw that svelte body into a costume and then dazzle everybody with pyrotechnical absurdity.
All before coming back in a suit later to say more words.
He made it look so easy. And since I was only going to be dancing for two minutes, I could handle this, right?
I had a mild cocktail, a full dinner and half a dessert thirty minutes before hopping back stage. I had thirteen minutes to do a scarce warm-up. And I remember laughing at myself as I tried to squeeze my abs over the dinner, cursing Daniel with every tendu. How dare he camouflage the difficulty of this choice with smiles and upright post-performance walking in a dress shoe!
The blessing is that I am still alive and that I landed on my feet every time I jumped from them. Thank God.
Thank you Luminario, Francesca and David Sukonick for shooting it. Okay fine, Daniel too.