mariakoropecky By Maria Koropecky, Storytelling Coach, Author and Chakra Dancer
On Sunday, I took myself on an artist date to the Royal Theatre to see the Victoria Symphony and Jeans ‘n Classics perform Dancing Queen, a matinée concert of ABBA’s greatest hits. I scored a free ticket to a sold out show, found a perfect free parking spot (even though the sign said “full” — thank you, Universe!) and landed in Row E, just 6 rows from the stage.
I wore a bright, flouncy red dress with Poppies on it – not because I wanted to stand out—but because I wanted to feel alive and also give a little fashion nod to the ‘70’s. And my dancing shoes matched perfectly!
Red, the color of the Root Chakra, reminds us to feel secure and to claim space in the world. I wasn’t going to shrink just because I was going alone or let being single keep me from doing fun things. This was about me connecting to my voice, creativity, courage, my own body and my own rhythm.
Most of the audience was in their 70s, 80s even 90s and it soon became clear that as season ticket holders, they had only come to listen.
But I came to feel.
The 4 Jeans ‘n Classics vocalists opened with “Mama Mia,” perfect for Mother’s Day and as the music filled the theatre, I started to sway. I wanted to sing out loud but didn’t feel safe to do so because looking at the heads in the seats in front of me, I quickly noticed: no one else was singing along or moving at all. No toe taps. No nods. No lip-syncing. It was like they were in church—or watching the 6 o’clock news.
But my inside voice said, “Move anyway.” So I did.
Unexpectedly, I was moved to tears on the 5th song in – “Chiquitita.” Something about how the lyrics and the harmonies came together – that’s the power of music!
“Chiquitita, you and I cry
But the sun is still in the sky and shinin’ above you
Let me hear you sing once more like you did before
Sing a new song, Chiquitita”
And that’s today’s song synchronicity!
As the symphony played song after song, I kept dancing in my seat and singing along with no idea of what the people behind me saw or thought – hopefully somebody in the balcony was inspired by my chair dancing and let the music move them too.
My favourite song was “Take a Chance on Me.” That was when the audience finally stood up and some even danced in the aisles (after many nudgings from the vocalists) – better 2nd to the last song than ever.
And I realized 1) Furnando would make a great name for a cat and 2) We’ve become far too reserved, polite and serious these last few years (understandably so, but how can you not dance to ABBA?) and I for one am ready for a change.
So, here’s my invitation to you – if you’re tired of being a wall flower and want to show up more boldly in your life, join my Upshift coaching program, starting May 21.
The snow has melted and spring has sprung and it’s time for all of us to sway in the fields like wild poppies!
Book a call with me to find out more about Upshift and yes, we will be chakra dancing each week!
It’s time for you to sing a new song, Chiquitita and take a chance on yourself!
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