just got back form my father's day gig at a local senior home.  can't call it a nursing home because its really well appointed and they have all levels of care.

anyway, the staff was lovely and helpful setting up my speakers.  the residents were into it and clapped and moved around in their seats to the music.  those who could stand or walk were brought up to dance a bit.  i danced a whole song with a man who was in the british army in the 50's in the suez canal conflicts.  he said he saw some very famous belly dancers while on duty in egypt.  i wish i could've climbed into his brain and seen his memories.  was it samia gamal? tahia carioca? a young nagua fouad? i asked him how he came to live in san diego, he would only say its a long story.  i bet it is. 

it was quite an international group. a polish woman danced without asisstance, a japanese woman tried to get out of her wheel chair and dance but couldn't stand so some of the attendants held her hands and moved her around.  one woman, who i thought was in her own world really came present when the music got lively. only one woman gave me stink eye and held her husbands hand really tight when i came near.  it made me feel a little sad for her.

over all, they really responded to the music and large colorful shapes of my skirt and veil.  so, this is an excellent reminder on father's day: if you have elderly people in your life, give them music, give them dancing, give them art - as much as possible, its so impotant to keep their minds stimulated with new and creative things.  happy father's day!

Tags: free range show girl, gigging, gigs