An Ordinary Girl

Posted on by Ishita Gupta

Hi guys!! I took a long break and couldn’t post at all because of my studies. But now I promise I’ll try to be more regular (fingers crossed!🤞🏻).

The following poem centres around dance, something which is really close to my heart. I have made use of some words which may be unfamiliar to non-dancers. So, I am providing an explanation of what they are!

  1. ARABESQUE: The arabesque is a body position in which the weight of the body is supported on one leg, while the other leg is extended in back with the knee straight.

2. EN POINTE: Pointe technique is the part of classical ballet that concerns pointe work, in which a ballet dancer supports all body weight on the tips of fully extended feet within pointe shoes.

3. PIROUETTE: It is an act of spinning on one foot, typically with the raised foot touching the knee of the supporting leg.

4. TEARDROP BACKBEND: The name says it all. It is a variation of a backbend to form an inverted teardrop.

5. FRONT WALKOVER: A front walkover is an acrobatic movement sequence. It begins with the performer standing up straight with arms raised and positioned near to the ears. The performer then lunges forward and quickly raises one leg, with the other leg following as if transitioning to a handstand.

This is an aerial front walkover. Usually, your hands touch the ground.

6. PENCHE: Penché is a classical ballet term meaning “leaning.” When a dancer is doing or in a penché they are usually bent forward over one leg with the other in arabesque well above 90 degrees.

7. FIREBIRD: The Firebird Leap is a dance leap or dance jump movement. It is classified by the dancer’s ability to bend the back leg at a 90 degree angle while keeping the front leg straight and can be done straight or turning.

WE ARE DONE WITH THE TERMS! The poem now!!

AN ORDINARY GIRL

“An ordinary girl in fancy outfits.”
An invisible label on her head.
Her journey ridiculed and hardships neglected,
Her blood now, a fierce shade of red.

Stepped on the stage with poise and grace,
Determined to unleash her true colours.
A soft start with a perfect arabesque,
En pointe back curved to the side, other.

Immersed herself in hidden emotions,
She pirouetted to the very centre.
Then bent to form a beautiful teardrop,
Tears and life, her only mentors.

Following this was a front walkover,
Which ended in a perfect split.
Swiftly got up to deliver a penche,
With a peaceful smile on her pink lips.

As the soft melody came to an end,
So did her dance, her legs bent.
Twirling once, the audience blurred,
She leapt and flew into a firebird.

A graceful arc in slow motion,
And face filled with subtle emotions.
Sitting down with one knee bent,
“An ordinary girl with extraordinary talent.”

-Ishita Gupta

66 thoughts on “An Ordinary Girl”

  1. This was perfect! I’m well aware about how much you love dance and this poems is just so beautifully expressed with each term forming a visual imagery in my head! Just too good! ❤️❤️💕
    Plus I got to learn new words today😉😆

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  4. It was just another lazy lockdown day when this popped up on my feed. My eyes were wide, I jumped out of my bed and I was jumping in joy. Then, I restrained by joy for a while and read it. Damn! This is so beautiful, a teardrop escaped my eye. I’m so glad you’re back. Missed you. ♥️♥️♥️♥️

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    1. Shreya!!!!!! Thank you sooooo much!!😍😍❤❤❤🤗 I’m so glad you enjoyed the poem this much!! Aww!!♥️♥️♥️💗💗 These words mean a lot!😍♥️🤗

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  8. This is very different, informative beautiful post wherein I learnt new things about dancing steps with a lovely poem.
    Keep writing alongwith studies as it is equally important for raising the bar of life.
    Stay blessed!🙌😇

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  11. How lovely, Ishita!!! You can feel her movement!!! I love the definitions before as well….some I didn’t know. Thank You for this! I hope Your studies have gone well and that You are enjoying Yourself! Sending huge hugs Your way!!! 🤗❤️😊

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  14. This is beautiful Ishita. There’s such a wonderful flow to the poem itself. It dances its way into your mind. Just so intricate and heartfelt.
    It is something quite different from what you usually write, but I love that side of the poem. It certainly has a creative rhythm. That crescendo is really good.
    Glad to have read this today.

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  15. Your poem is beautiful Ishita you can sense the feelings of the dancer, gorgeous my sweet friend. Are you a dancer? I dreamt of being a dancer when I was a little girl.

    Wow, thank you for the lesson on ballet moves, that was fascinating to me. My husband took me to my first ballet in Seattle, when we lived there and it was the Nut Cracker. I cried like a child as I watched. I felt so privileged to be able to see such a glorious thing. I thought of all the people all over the world that would never get to experience what I was seeing.

    Good luck with all your studies my friend. Have an amazing week. Love to you. xoxoxoxo Joni

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    1. Thank you for your sweet and supportive words dearest Joni❣
      Yes, I am a dancer. But I’m still a novice in contemporary style. I started learning an Indian classical form of dance, Kathak, when I was 4 years old. I can proudly say I’m a professional Kathak Dancer, but I’m still learning contemporary!

      Wow!! It must have been such a brilliant experience!!

      Thank you kindly♥️♥️🤗 Love, Ishita ❣

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      1. How wonderful that you are a Kathak dancer and studying to be a contemporary dancer as well. Somehow I am not surprised as you are obviously a very hard and dedicated young woman when you set a goal for yourself. Sounds amazing. Have a blessed rest of the week dear friend. Hugs and love ❤️ Joni 🌺🌸🤗

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  16. This is intricate and beautifully woven as a poem. An artistic blend of words and dance! I was amazed!

    It’s thoughtful of you to add those pictures and explanation. It helped understand the depth of your words. Good to see you back, Ishita! ❣

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    1. Thank you so so much Anisha!! I’m happy you enjoyed it!!

      It was you actually, who inspired me to do this. You often provide various info on things people might not know, so thank YOU♥️
      I’m glad to be back too!❣

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  18. 🌈 🌧 ☀️ 🦢… my heart swells to envelope the world in love when i think of dance… my first love 💗 and it will be my last! 😘❤️🌺👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🔥🥀

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      1. Ive been trying to write like dance… even images fail to capture the expressive nature of body movement. Can you capture wind, waves or fire, without being affected? My words lag behind and the paint dulls next to the magic of dance. You, on the other hand, captured the beauty well! 🦢🌺💫

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        1. You write beautifully Jeanne!! The way you capture nature, no one can!! It’s so surreal and so soothing!! Thank you so much for your kind words❤❤ You are such a talented writer Jeanne, honestly❣

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          1. Its ok Ishita! My deepest desire is to love. And i can love deeply. 😘❤️ Keep being your beautiful self… and sharing our hearts as best we can. 🤗🌺 thank you for your encouragement and strength. 💐

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  19. Pingback: An Ordinary Girl —Ishita Gupta – Grumpy's Gifts (poetry corner)

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Published by Ishita Gupta

I am a girl who has chosen to explore and experience her life through words. Born and brought up in India, I am an avid reader, feminist, potterhead and a Biology student. I am also trained in a form of Indian classical dance, Kathak, and am currently learning contemporary dance style. Writing and poetry, for me, are a medium to channel my hidden emotions and also to create a change in the society. Please feel free to drop your feedback!