My travels in South Africa to film a commercial for Heart FM, a British radio station, taught me so much about what being a "professional" hula hooper means. I was asked by the director to do many things I have never done before -- walk in a completly straight line while performing a series of tricks (which I usually do not perform in a succession and without turning my body), smile but don't show my teeth, look happy and blissful but don't dance or move percussively in any way and most importantly, do not do any tricks that are too spectacular. And doing the same routine over and over and over and over and .... yes, over again and over and over and ... over and....
The director would tell me what he wanted me to do about 5-10 minutes before the entire crew shot it, so I had minimal time to prepare. Of course I messed up a few times having so many new and unusual requests asked of me, and the nervousness of doing it while being filmed by such a large crew, all watching the "expert" hula hooper was not helping! Small added pressures: using hoops much larger and heavier than I was accustomed to, being in another time zone, having just flown out of Burning Man, and missing my new husband...
Most of all, I think the hardest part was my EGO. I know what moves I do which "look good" and demonstrate my ability as an artist. I know how to beam and radiate happiness with lots of facial expressions and wide smiles. I know how to dance and move to rock the hoop. And I was not allowed to do any of these things. All the choreography I had worked out before coming was useless. With the waive of a hand, the director had declared it, "too complex". Instead, I was being asked to do things which seemed simplistic and at times, against the "flow" of dance that I had worked so hard to develop over the years.
At first I felt resistance and stubborn. After all, didn't they know I was a "dancer" ? Sheesh! Then I suddenly had a realization. "This is not about me." *POP* went the fantasy bubble that this was to showcase all my "amazing" talent. I had been hired to perform according to the wishes of a director who had his own vision. I was only a piece in the puzzle of a message that was about something else. Duh! This is a commercial which is promoting a product, not me.
It is always amazing when you have a spectacular breakthrough like this. For me, a light went on which showed me that being a "professional" hula hooper can require being an actress. It involves the ability to take direction and work with others according to a vision which you may not understand, but remain open-minded and good natured about.
The entire production crew, the ad agency and the visionaries from HeartFM were amazingly patient with my little process of growth. They supported me at every turn, making sure I didn't get too exhaused, had everything I needed, hair, make-up and wardrobe, craft service, great lodging, fantastic meals in the evenings with great conversation and lots of fun, and all the technical arrangements in place -- it was a full scale professional production comprised of so many wonderful people. And they were hula hooping during breaks, asking for hints about learning tricks, and totally in support of hooping in general! Long story short, I think I totally LUCKED OUT with my first commercial experience. It could not have been better and I am so grateful to have gotten to work with everyone!
All the while, no matter how critical my own mind had been about what I was doing, the crew were always complimenting me and telling me how "brilliant" my work was. I was able to give them exactly what they wanted and I have heard since that it looks fantastic. It just goes to show you how different perceptions can be when you can't get out of your own little ego! As an aside, they were so pleased with all I did, they may be bringing me to London in October to shoot another project!
Today is my birthday and it is neat to be writing about this today. A celebration of birth into a new self!
I thank the Universe for helping me connect with larger visions which impact millions of people! I am excited to understand how I can use my skills to be a part of many projects which are much bigger than just me. I am excited to be participating in productions and opportunities which challenge me to rise up and be the best person I can be on all levels. I am so happy and grateful for the unlimited abundance which is flowing to me! Thank you for surrounding me with huge network of supportive, talented and loving people who make it comfortable for me to be evolving so quickly. Thank you Divine Source for helping me to tend to my physical body with enough water, healthy food, exercise and meditation so that I can remain open to the beautiful flow of life!
