My first reaction to the news that I was going to India was a combination of anxiety and excitement. That region of the world is exotic, but with tumultuous political atmosphere. Once I decided to go I became thrilled with the idea. How often does one get paid to travel half way around the world with five of her favorite people? This was an opportunity of a lifetime.

The departure date was fast approaching as we rehearsed late into the night for the preparation of our trip. There was a giddiness surrounding us that I only recognize from my youth. Finally the day was upon us. I rose at four in the morning, the sky still dark, with my nerves buzzing with anticipation. I met the girls and we went to the airport where we were on our way. The plane ride was a test of our temper and patience with one another and all those on the plane around
us.

It was though we had our flying buddies, me and Kelsy, Gina and Tiffany, and Kendra and Saab moved around between us. The bond between us girls strengthened before we landed. While we grew closer we kept in mind the woman who had given us the opportunity to go, Suhaila. We bought gifts and made fun of Germans before we finally arrived in India. Once there, we were greeted with hospitality akin to no other places I have visited. We had a meltdown as is expected after traveling for thirty plus hours, but after that, glitches seemed to be few and far between.

Between rehearsal and exhaustion we spent most of our time at the venue or the hotel. The weather was beautiful; sunny and warm, with a unique smell in the air. There was a surreal quality that permeated the entire trip and peaked the night of the show. Throughout the week we read about the show in the newspaper and looked at our pictures in them as well. This only heightened our excitement of our performance.

The night of the show. As a group we came alive the night we were to perform. We worked together to get hair, makeup and attitudes just right. We had made it. We not only survived being together for a week, but we had a great time doing it. And now we were getting to go out on stage and dance with this newly reinforced bond in place. The lights were bright, the audience vast, and the announcers enthusiastic as we entered to begin the show exotically with swords balanced on our heads. The show built and built, and we executed each dance with a sense of satisfaction rare in performances. For us we were proud to be representing the United States, Suhaila, and the hard work we had done to make it this far.

The entire experience was incredibly rewarding despite the long lines and endless plane flights to and from India. I all the more appreciate the dancing I am privileged to do and the incredible woman I am honored to perform with. I would, in a heartbeat, travel anywhere in the world with those girls again.