Reflections: A very special Divali performance

In my reflections, I meditate on moments during my dance journey, volunteering work in dementia care, work as a psychologist, and more.

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This week was the celebration of Divali at nursing home Florence Mariahoeve. Starting with a enchanting candle light walk, employees, nurses and volunteers all formed a line side to side holding candles, dressed in beautiful sarees and kurtas.

I met Sathi when I started as a volunteer at the nursing home last year. She is in charge of organising activities for the residents and the dance hour they have every Thursday. Learning she is from Sri Lankan descent, I shared with her I dance Bharatanatyam. She asked me if I'd like to perform at the nursing home one day and I answered of course!

Awaiting for my turn, the candle walk slowly comes to and end and I search for Sathi's quiet nod. I walk towards the center of the floor, did Namaskar to ask for blessing and thank for the opportunity to dance.

Dance is a fleeting art form. It can not be experienced again and again like a photograph, song or a movie. Just in the moment, the dance is in front of you happening and the movement exists only in this moment. And the residents at the nursing home are in this moment, as the present is where they live and exist. It is a great honour to perform this beautiful piece for this audience, souls that warm my heart whenever I see them smile.

Dharma over Adharma, light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Subh Divali.