Prepare for the Worst and Look on the Bright Side
Something horrible happened to me recently. I performed at a show 2 hours away from home because I wanted to: a) gain new experiences; b) meet new people/network; c) live through the next work day with a smile even though I'd be dead tired (on the account that I get a ride back to London that night).
I was all set to go because a ride had been arranged for me. I performed at a beautiful venue and met even more beautiful and talented artists. Unfortunately, I heard some bad news just shortly after midnight: my ride cancelled on me! What a shame too because I met this person at the venue and he even asked me where I lived. Then he texted the organisers to tell me that he had to dash because of an 'emergency.' Emergency or not, I think he should have had the courtesy to find me to tell me. Maybe we could have worked something out! Instead, I was left hurt and angry and STRANDED. I NEEDED to get home the next day for work (7.30am start)! The next day was so important to me!
Thankfully, the organisers helped me look online for the next National Express back to London. Ugh. "Internal Error." The transaction did not process! I had to go to the actual bus depot in hopes that I could pay on the bus. When the London bus actually came, I was rejected by the driver. "It's full." The next one wasn't good enough. I had a time limit, and it was already 3am! Eventually, I got on a bus that took me to Luton. I transferred from Luton town to Kings Cross Thames Link. It was already 6.30, and I still had to go home to get the materials I needed for work. I took a taxi, grabbed my stuff, and then took public transport. I was on time, and I did a fantastic presentation in front of 400+ people!
I still don't know what exactly happened. Part of me wants to know just to have a peace of mind. However, part of me doesn't want to know. if he hasn't said it now or offered an apology - then forget it. I did not deserve to be ditched like that. How dare someone leave me stranded in a strange new city so late at night when I obviously would have a hell of a time getting back to London that night on my own?!
There is a bright side - I promise. Everyone was so understanding and helpful. People offered to put the bus ticket on their credit card; the organisers chaperoned me to the bus depot; everyone offered emotional support and helped me get a practical grasp on the situation (they diffused my anger).
In this burlesque world, we are professionals - and we deserve to be treated like professionals. We need to be organised and we need to go through with the deals we make with one another. Also, in this burlesque world, we need to act as a community. I discovered a lot of positive things about people that night - all because something devastating happened to me . people opened up their hearts and they were so supportive. That made me feel really valued. We are still a small community - that's why we need to look out for each other. We should never have a competitive attitude against one another. If we choose to be alone because we only dream of fame and glory - then the real world will just eat you up. Without knowing the people I worked with that night, I would not have had a positive ending. We need each other. Thank you.
P.S. Let's start a thread with important numbers to keep in our mobiles for emergency situations. This may also be something good to bring up at the next meeting. Thoughts?
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