Jumping for Joy
After lining up in some traditional poses for the camera, these young folks decided to show off their jumping skills. They're getting ready for liftoff!
Questions
Sometimes I wonder how much the presence of my camera affects a situation. For example, were the young folks pictured above extremely happy before I moseyed up to them at Shallowford Square? Or did a wild exuberance suddenly overtake them once I pointed my camera at them? Hmmm. Actually, I suspect that both ideas are true!
The occasion of our meeting was yet another Starlight Movie Nite last Friday evening (May 8, 2009). The highly popular Disney movie, High School Musical 3, was scheduled to play at Shallowford Square. As usual, prior to the movie, I roamed the Square, talking to old acquaintances, meeting new ones, and taking photos along the way.
Observation
I’ve noticed that an atmosphere of joy always seems to pervade the Square on Starlight Movie Nites. Whether it’s kids romping in the playground area, grandparents doting over their grandchildren, or couples chilling out after a busy week — most everyone seems especially happy.
Happy to be alive. Happy to be in good company. Happy to be attending a free movie!
Such joy! Such enthusiasm! Such energy!
Sneak Preview
Of course, soon people will not only be jumping in the Square — they’ll be flying around the Square! Before the movie began, the audience got a sneak preview of the upcoming musical, Peter Pan. Young cast members performed a short musical number, along with Joy Dorsey Rushton, who will be playing Peter Pan.
Be sure to catch one of the sure-to-delight West Side Civic Theatre performances of Peter Pan coming up in June. The shows will run over two weekends at Shallowford Square, beginning each night at 8:00 pm. The dates are June 5–7 and 11–13, 2009. Bring a lawn chair, and come prepared to be awed! Admission is free.
Photo Gallery Thoughts
As I looked through the photo gallery for this movie night, I couldn’t help but think about the uniqueness of each individual I’d photographed. Though the faces are diverse, and the ages range from very young to much older, I marvel at the beauty I see in each face, and behind each face — even for those few who are not quite smiling. How wonderfully made, we humans are!
To see all the folks I was privileged to photograph last Friday for the Starlight Movie Nite, please visit the High School Musical 3 photo gallery. Can you spot the joy?!
Looking for Peter Pan articles and photos? Check out: Peter Pan Comes to Lewisville, Peril in Neverland, Indomitable Spirit and Peter Pan Prevails.
