"Some dance to remember, Others dance to forget"

ballet:vacate
Originally uploaded by brookeshaden

I believe in Music and the fact that Music echoes happiness into one's soul.

Music has the power to lift one's spirits, send a ripple effect of glee through one's hearth and move one's bones. I think the percussion music system- drums, "طيران" and anything that can be hit to produce a sound- is an integral aspect of music that cannot be ignored, but can surely be played alone if needed. I'd take "طق" over normal streamed music any day; that explains the joy I derive from attending local Kuwaiti weddings.

Recently attended a weekend of weddings, "عسى الله يزيد الأفراح انشاء الله" and realized the pull music has one people's moods; people joined in from all walks of life to celebrate those happy occasions in an atmosphere of sheer pleasure drowned by music and singing, which translated into packed full dance floors and clapping hands.

A scene we see regularly but do not appreciate that much; a scene of utter joy.

A scene that is fleeting in my opinion, for when the occasion is over and people start going home, they go back to their normal lives. Some are lucky enough to take that joy with them, others go back to face another kind of music, a rhythm that is not so happy.

Music provides a happy escape, an interesting diversion and a mini-escape.

I once took a course in university about Bollywood movies. I entered the course thinking it would be an easy A, that I'd get to see my fave Bollywood movies and just write about them, never knowing that I would learn something crucial about this billion dollar industry and what keeps it going. Turns out Bollywood movies are not just made for entertainment and that their popularity has not been solely because of the fact that they are amazing get-ups complete with song and dance as well as lavish sets and costumes. Not at all, it's because they create a diversion to the Indian masses.

Bollywood movies paint another world to movie goers; all of whom are mostly lower class masses in India who would rather spend that ticket premium price to escape reality and get drowned in the music, dance, romance, and action. 3 hours that make them forget their problems-their strife and struggles- and instead get immersed in a long adventure away from real life stressors for a short period of time.

Interesting right? The class was one of the best electives I took. Who knew petty diversions could be good for you?

In a society that is taking backward steps into a murky extremist doctrine with everything now being "حرام" in their eyes, Music is being in one of the first lines of attack. It's sad to see such a fun diversion be attacked so, even though it holds the power to keep some people going, and others happy. A healthy way to lift one's mood, and achieve a natural "high", Music should be celebrated not dismissed.

Our ancestors used to sing their hearts out as they pulled at the sails of their ships, as they hoisted the pearl divers, as they herded sheep and camels across an empty desert, and as they rested after a long day of work.

We should be able to be allowed to do the same.

Everyone should be given a chance to dance at their own beat and at their own choice and freedom.

As Lady Gaga chants, "Just dance, it will be okay......"

xx

Baroque

Ps. Blistered to perfection.