While much of the time on my most recent trip to South Asia was spent in Bhutan, our group actually started off in Kolkata and spent a couple of days in Northeast India, in the state of Assam.
While there, we enjoyed a couple of dance and music programs from local villagers.
In one of the villages, this young girl captured my heart. Wow – was she ever talented. She was probably 7 or 8 years old and she really knew her stuff. Even the older girls were watching her for cues. If she had the right opportunity, I’m sure she’d be a star.
Thinking that there might be some way I could help support her in a dance career, I asked our guide about where she was learning to dance. “From her family and community,” he replied. I asked what her future looked like (thinking he would suggest that she might go to a dance school). Instead, he said, “She will become a housewife and raise children.”
My initial reaction was sadness and outrage that such talent might be “wasted” and that she could have opportunities before her that few in her village would dream of.
And then I remembered the women (and men) I know who have chosen to stay home and raise families when, in reality, they are far more talented and smarter than I am.
But I suppose the big difference is that my friends have made a conscious decision to give up their careers for their families. While this young girl will have this decision made for her – through family pressure and lack of economic opportunities. She may never know what she’s missing, but I somehow think that given the twinkle in her eye, she might just have a clue.
There were other dancers, men and women, as part of this performance. The men all wore traditional embroidered pieces of cloth around their heads and the women were dressed in red and white.
In addition to our group, all the villagers joined us in watching this special performance. It was a grand day for everyone and I was pleased that these talented people had a reason to show off to us and their family and friends.
See more lovely photos at DeliciousBaby’s Photo Friday!
Travel Well!
Beth
Related Links:
Women-only tours to India
India Photo Gallery
Anna says
What an interesting post, Beth. The little girl is gorgeous and you have painted a beautiful picture of her dancing. The roles expected of women are so different depending on your place of birth, aren’t they? Sometimes I think that women in the west struggle trying to fit in to both worlds. Right now I am juggling the world of work with being a mum. Not easy!
Anna says
I’m not suggesting I’d rather not have that choice, by the way! ๐
Kerry says
as you suggest, Beth, either choice might be right for this dancer. the comment about her future was what the gentleman you spoke with thought, from his perspective, but who know what paths may emerge for this young woman?
thank you for sharing your journey and thoughts through words and photographs.
David @ Malaysia Asia says
Today is Deepavali, a public holiday in Malaysia and also in India (if I am not mistaken). This post is beautiful, especially the picture of the little girl smiling. She looks like nothing troubles her. Thanks for sharing this pic and article Beth.
Regards,
David
Freddie @ Off Track Planet says
Wow, really nice story! This little girls is so cute!
wandering educators says
i love these photos – they do make me smile. and anything we do prepares us for our future, no matter the path. ๐
Aly says
I know that feeling of seeing a child that you know if given the opportunity might have chosen a different path and not being able to do anything about it. It’s the bittersweet part of traveling and meeting different people and cultures. Great photos!!
Ginae B. McDonald says
Just beautiful!