My greatest dream

Growing up I enjoyed doing only one thing and that was dancing! If it's not dance, it's nothing else. I saw an old photo of my Dad in his youthful days, doing the famous Micheal Jackson's "leg kick" so I guess it runs in the genes.

Source

"You look like a rigid skeleton moving in front of that mirror"

My elder sister, Ijeoma, sighted me on a certain day rehearsing my dance moves in front of a large, long rectangular mirror lined with gold on the edges.

"You're just jealous" I replied.

"Keep decieving yourself there, you'll never learn how to dance" — I still remember this reply like it was yesterday.

Two years later, after much improvement, I was rehearsing as usual when my sister stepped into the room... "Do something different asides waves. You've been doing the same thing over and over again."

"Can't you just mind your business? Please leave me alone. First, It was the fact that I couldn't dance, now, I'm repeating the same dance moves."

We were just like cats and rats living together. No day without a dispute. Although, she was always the annoying one.

As time went by, I grew and eventually got admission to study medicine and surgery at the university of Nigeria (UNN) while my sister studied in a different state far away from mine.

"Do you still dance?" — a question my sister raised on a certain day.

"Of course, I still dance"

"Where? Who's aware you can dance? You should be going for shows and competitions. Display your dancing talent somewhere so that the world can see you"

"It's not easy to combine medicine with dancing" I replied. This was the flimsy excuse I always gave and yes! I had expanded on my dance skills and never stopped rehearsing within my enclosure.

My family members and close friends thought I was just shy. I was a dancer by mouth and not by action.

My friends were always like... "There's a dance competition coming up, you'll attend, right?"

Then I'll reply.. "Maybe."
But deep down within, I knew I had no plans to attend.

I always created excuses for myself as the years went by until my 5th year of study when an event was organised for our seniors who were about graduating. A friend of mine, Chukwuma, who was a part of the entertainment committee for the event came up to me and was like...

"Emeka, please would you love to perform at this forthcoming event for our graduating seniors." At this point, I felt like I've wasted so many opportunities and hidden my talent for too long so I accepted.

Chukwuma was a close friend of mine so he always came up to me to ensure that I was preparing.

"Hope you're preparing? Remember, this event is in the next few weeks"

"Don't worry, I've got you covered" I replied.

I got heart aches, chest burn, & night sweats just from the mere thought of me standing in front of a large crowd to perform for the first time. But then I thought to myself: how many people in this medical college can actually dance? I guess this kept me going.

The D day finally arrived and I dressed in a suit— inner white shirt, black jacket, black plain trousers that was somewhat baggy towards the end and a black shoe that could reflect ones image because of it's glistening appearance. I matched everything with a black hat.

After the event and lots of performances —singing, poem recitation, comedies, e.t.c. I heard the M.C say:

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a dancer in the building! Please let's welcome, Emeka!!"

I felt my heart beat a thousand times faster, shivers ran down my spine as I struggled to maintain composure while walking towards the stage. I danced to "Another love song" by Neyo. And throughout the performance I felt this inner rush of energy and extreme confidence. At some point, I included so many moves that I never planned.

At the end, I got a standing ovation which lasted for minutes. I stood for a while watching the crowd give a round of applause... And yeah, I could hear the ladies screaming!

This was the sweetest experience ever! You ever get that feeling where it feels like you're a celebrity especially when people who always ignored you, and the ones you never knew suddenly start to compliment you on how good you were at doing what you do? Well, that was me.

This was just last year, (February,2023) and ever since then, I've become more confident and proud when it comes to displaying my talent to the world. I really respected Chukwuma for the opportunity and privilege I was given to face my fears. It will always be an experience to remember. A sweet experience that earned me the nickname "MJ" (Michael Jackson)