Grindl (whatever happened to Grindl how we danced whenever wherever we saw each other) it all started with Tri-Solar-Pool musicians and dancers 1972 the studio on Water Street in old Vancouver empty room hardwood floors a couple windows a few folding chairs a piano up above god knows what it was above and those steep narrow stairs with the hollow climbing sounds how many nights we would meet there musicians dancers we would go for hours (nothing could stop me I danced till everyone went home) we rehearsed worked but it was for the joy of body mind spirit laughing living the music the dance Grindl and I our movement so much alike yet just different enough we could improv off each other forever it seemed I went to her suite on the way to dance one place or another fabric draped her cement rooms so dark down there she so colorful alive with a laugh that lit her deep eyes brown one night at Gassy Jack's in Gastown we were not on the bill but gradually had the floor the band a late incarnation of the High Flying Bird played their hearts out we were wild and good at what we did precise clean moves dynamics contrast blasts of energy stillness all in between and the unexpected every body part speaking pausing its beauty and grace people clapped for us we laughed Grindl oh Grindl how I would dance with you now if I knew where to find you dance till dawn move our bodies to the music of life unrelenting our dark hair flashing in light from the wings © December 1997 Leslye Layne Russell This poem was published in the April 1998 issue of One Dog Press. |