For many years, I sang in the choir… children’s choir, junior choir, senior choir. I sang 2nd soprano. It is the middle voice – neither too high nor too low. But it is easy to get lost in the middle. First sopranos usually sing the melody of the song and that is relatively easy. Altos on the other hand are the support and base of women choir. When a piece has very high notes, I am glad there are parts for 2nd sopranos. I remember I was an alto in the church concert where we sang Beethoven’s Ode to Joy because I didn’t want to sound like a pig or chicken in the slaughter house. 🤣
As a 2nd soprano, I am most comfortable and confident when I sit among or beside my veteran friends who read notes well and know what they are singing. I just need to open wide my eyes to read the notes and strain my ears well to listen attentively to my friend’s voice. Sitting in front of them is best. The voice behind me helps me to sing with comfort and confidence.
As with singing, so am I with dancing. I am somewhere in the middle. No. 19 is my favourite spot on the dance floor. It is behind 3 rows of dancers and slightly to the right of the instructor. I am neither expert nor novice. I can objectively say I am in the middle. Whereas it is better to sit in front of good singers, it is best to stand behind good dancers.
Standing directly behind the instructor is a good position because then I cannot see myself in the mirror. I do not really like to look at myself dance. 🤪 It makes me too self-conscious. I might not like what I see. How come my body is not as fluid and smooth as the teacher?! 😅
Keeping my eyes focus on the teacher helps me to dance well. It is challenging and fulfilling when the teacher does not teach the steps ahead and I need to sight-dance (just as when I need to sight-read when I sing).
How well I sing or dance depends on how familiar I am with the piece, how well I know the moves, habits and character of the conductor or the dance teacher.
When I dance, I often think how living life is like dancing (or singing). “Turn your eyes upon Jesus” comes to mind. How well and intent is my focus on the Teacher? This determines how well I follow His steps. How attentive am I to the voice of the Holy Spirit – this helps me to sing the tunes of Christian living better. The more practice, the better i dance or sing. The more familiar I am with the piece, the more I enjoy the singing and the dancing.
Just as my veteran choir mates help me sing 2nd soprano, my veteran dance mates help me dance unfamiliar pieces – especially when the dance instructor decides to take a break in the middle of the piece. So in life, fellow Christians: mature friends who are closely walking with the Lord, those who sing and dance well in the difficult pieces of life, these people are my guide to be in step with the Lord.
I believe that no man is an island. I like singing in the choir. I love dancing with a group. The Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. Yes, I like it better when the music is good. I enjoy it more when I know the piece. Ultimately, I sing/dance best when I follow the good Teacher.
