The great "I Am" (from Raphel Lopez-Barrentes class in the Nelson Music Room on July 17, 2014)

I.  

Six dancers crouched down,

hands on the floor,

fingers spread like

starfish,

taking in the breath of life 

together.

II.

Left legs are stretched out behind,

right legs forward.

"Hold a cantelope,

or a tomato

in your right hand.

Let it go!

Throw!

And let out the breath with

the harmonious  sound

of lah..."

Singing "lah,"

six voices form a chorus

of soft sounds.

Then voices rise in a Zambian

chant:

"nah-ah-yay-yay..."

Chords integrate.

I concentrate 

on the sounds

that merge into

fluid movement,

creating a blessing

for this place,

or anywhere, really.

The harmony is

this space.

"Your duty as a performer

is to connect."

"Nay-ah-yay-ah-yay."

The sacred sound

from the heart of Africa.

The benediction.

III.

Power.

And love.

Love the power.

"powerlove

powerlove"

give me power

and a love

a love 

a love

a love

a love 

that lasts.

IV.  Class ends and I thank Raphel for allowing  me to observe.  I mention that I hadn't done my homework by reading about him, but he's unconcerned.  He is Spanish, and gracious to allow a stranger in to experience his class.  I have no context for what I have witnessed.  But in time I will understand.