Icaro

A West End cat finds its way into a Latin dance studio. The dancefloor is filled with gafieira, merengue, and lambada dancers. Wardrobes burst with sparkling samba costumes and drums and percussion pieces are stacked like Christmas decorations. As the cat settles in, as she watches class after dance class, she notices a problem.

A shaman outfit and a Halloween-themed dance party provide a magnificent solution.

Author’s note:

In 2014, in Brisbane’s West End, Rio Rhythmics Latin Dance Academy celebrated its twentieth birthday – a passionate milestone marking the millions of steps taken by the tens of thousands of dancers who had entered its doors. The dancers were all ages. They came in all shapes and sizes and were of all different nationalities. One was blind, others were deaf. One walked with a limp and danced without one. 

Under the guidance of Brazilian director, Tarcisio Teatini-Climaco, Australians stepped away from their electronic devices and into the arms of people they had never met. They learned to hold one another. They came to understand that partner dancing – Latin partner dancing – is a joyful affair in which the whole greater than the sum of its parts. To achieve that passionate nirvana they needed to support, appreciate, and enjoy one another. And that’s what they did.

For a time there was a cat. Her name was Gatinha.

Where can I read it?

Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine #65 (Australia). Find it here>