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Ritual and Chaos: Performance Edition
- Amy Bright
- Jan 8, 2022
- 1 min read
All that I have and do explodes into chaos around performance time. I don't know if it's habit now or process or the natural order of things. It's what I do!
I lay out all costuming possibilities, pull out the jewelry and more hair clasps, and I change my mind on coverups at least three times.
On the other hand, I also love the ritual, performative aspect of preparation. Most of what I do is part of my normal life, but the actions take on more meaning.
A bath becomes purification rather than mere cleaning.
I take extra care with lotions and potions and hair oils.
Pedicures and manicures and eyebrow plucking happen together instead of being spread out as needed.
I sit in a robe surrounded by costume chaos and focus on nail polish and the luxury of time.
The routine helps calm me and enter a different emotional state before the energetic release of performance.
I enjoy this part of the day as much as the show.
Returning home to clean up...I may need to rethink the ceremonial anarchy!
I already feel more relaxed...just by reading this!
A bath becomes purification - that's an almost spiritual approach :-) (Tamara)
It is always chaos before a performance no matter how much you have practiced or how ready everyone is. But having a ritual to get some peace beforehand is very important. It grounds you when everything else is going wild!
It seems like the getting ready beforehand can be very chaotic and we need to take a deep breath, relax to get excited for the performance, no matter what it is.
Routines in and of themselves can be calming and restorative. Finding a process that helps you prevent and/or manage any rising anxiety is a great step in doing so.