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My 11-year- old daughter has been bitten by the stage bug. For some time now, she has stated that she wants to be a performer when she grows up. It isn’t about fame, but the pure enjoyment of being on stage. In her young mind, the best situation would be to perform and still be able to walk around without being harassed. That is not the case with some of her peers. She has already experienced kids her age dropping out of shows and choruses if they don’t get a major part. She has seen kids who dance studio hop if they don’t appear to be labeled the star. Recently we had an insightful conversation centering on the theme of accepting the role you are given, and enjoying the experience of being part of something. What stunned me was the source she quoted as an inspiration.
We were in the car (of course), talking about the above topic, when she stated the following.
“The lady on the TV said that if you don’t have expectations, then you are never disappointed.”
I answered….”Who said that?”
“The lady….. the lady from Singing in the Rain.”
One of my favorite shows is CBS Sunday Morning. I have watched this show for many years. It is a wonderful mix of current events, art, music, science, celebrity, small towns, big cities, and stories of hope. The interview my daughter was referring of course was that of Debbie Reynolds who starred in among others, one of the most beloved movies of all time. A movie that will live on for the enjoyment of generations to come.
A triple threat, she could act, sing, and dance. She became famous because of her talent. I was touched that a young girl listened to a seasoned and acclaimed performer and understood her message. I was glad that someone of this stature made an impression on my daughter and not someone closer to her own age who feels the need to take their clothes off and dance provocatively to make “history”. History is made by greatness, and greatness has a means of passing on something to hold onto, whatever my daughter grows up to be.
