Born from a boombox

A few days ago, I engaged myself in a girl's day out with my close girlfriends. A good time was spent bonding and reconnecting over Subway sandwiches and strolling around the mall. We even managed to catch a movie, which was none other than Step Up 3D. The movie was just as good as the reviews said it would be. But given that an engaging story is only vaguely important in the confines of a world that brings together breakdancing, parkour, acrobatics, lasers, and spectacularly ugly track jackets, Step Up 3-D suffers from no shortcomings important enough to prevent it from being one of the most colorful, effervescent and entertaining films of the summer. My eyes were fixed on every single scene, which proves how captivating and intriguing it was.

When I went home that day, I was just filed with inspiration to pop and lock and let loose. And I hold Luke (Rick Malambri) fully responsible as he is the paterfamilias of the dance troop known as The Pirates. It was the passion those dancers had for dancing which drove me to see what I love doing on a bigger sheet of canvas.

"People dance because dance can change things. One move, can bring people together. One move, can make you believe like there's something more. One move, can set a whole generation free." - Moose.

Luke: What is it that you love about dance?
Natalie: Everything you need to know is in my dancing.
Luke: Everything?

"Some people learn to dance... Others are born to." - Luke.

It is because the same passion they have for dancing, I have for singing (and writing).

I sing because a certain song lyrics or melody can impact a person's life. The lyrics to a song is a powerful tool which can speak to a person's heart especially when they can relate to the song, relate to the scene the singer is singing about.

I sing because I see it as a way to express my emotions, unite communities and pledge allegiance.

I sing because it's the sacred haven I turn to when I'm not feeling my very best or when all I feel like doing is smiling. I sing because with just a little hum or song, I can be all cheered-up.

I sing because I feel free when I do it. It's like the wind in my sails.

I sing because it has been a dream of mine - ever since I was at the age of 12 - to be up front and center, under the spotlight and performing. Not rocking on the electric guitar or banging on the the drums, but singing wholeheartedly.

I sing because it's something I'm good at and because it's something I can do without any effort.

I sing because putting my voice to the test and striving to hit impossible notes enthralls me. 

I sing because doing it never fails to bring me joy and happiness. 

I sing because it is one of the many gifts God has given unto me and it's only by making the most of these gifts, His name will be glorified.

And that is why I love singing. 

P.S - "People can say whatever they want about me, but at the end of the day I am still going to be me and I'm going to be living my god damn life" - Megan Foxx.

She's got to love nobody

I determinedly hoisted myself out from the pool of fear my mind and thoughts were encouraging me to swim in.  The temptation of backing out of the Talentime show at the last minute almost managed to dominate whatever confidence I had left as everything seemed to be going haywire. There was only one mic that was available for us to use and as for the instrumental version of the song we were doing, we decided not to go through with it. My sister and I sounded far better just by using our vocals alone in the performance. The audiences who filled up almost every vacant area of space in the school hall were being very attentive to the performances that were going on.

With only so much confidence and fearlessness left on my sleeve, I walked up on stage with my sister when the Chairperson announced that it was our turn. My sister became the only option for me to do a duet with because everyone else bailed and god bless her soul, she pulled through for me. We sang the Glee's version of Pokerface.

Just by an unintentional glance, I could see just how thirsty the audience was for a good performance. Their hunger-filled eyes stirred a little discomfort in my stomach as they looked as if they were gonna feast on us by any chance they get. So, I tried my best to keep my eyes off them and concentrated on singing the song in perfection. It helped tremendously. I found myself being composed and not shaking in neurotic fear.

3.39 minutes passed and the song came to an end. Joyful that it's over, I bowed to the audience and skipped off the stage. The applause my sister and I received was very approving and by the expressions I saw on most of the teachers' faces, I knew they were pleased. Now all I need to look forward to is the time they announce the winners. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I wish upon shooting stars and dream of singing in front of a large crowd, even if it was for one time when in truth, I get stage fright. It's probably the only barrier that is standing between me and performing. Since I can't live in fear for the rest of my life, it's time I crawl out of my shell and shine the way I wish to do so.