Smile :) !!!???

This last week has been spent training for and focusing on the weekend Trade Show demonstration of which I was performing my broadsword form at. I love my broadsword and get right into the form when do it. After one of our practices, one of my team mates asked if I would do a favor for him after the demo. The requested favor was to perform my broadsword form smiling. !!!!!???!?!?!!?!!!?!?!

Ok, to me that request made just as much sense as it would be to frost a chocolate cake with sauerkraut. In my disbelief, I asked the obvious question: "why???" His answer was that I always look so grumpy when doing my forms. (I have intense eyes that can see through a person when I'm in action). For the record, I'm far from grumpy when I am doing my form, I'm very much enjoying it. When I am doing my forms aren't I supposed to be in the moment of action, actually being the part in my mind? At least that's what I learned in acting classes. I will mention that the last time the team mate commented on me not smiling I whacked myself in the ankle with my spear.

However I must say that my team mate has a point. What would my flow, movements, expression, and aura be like if I were smiling (toss in any other expression) during my form? It's worth exploring because who knows what I will discover when I do? Right now when I think of me in broadsword form, showing my pearly whites brings one word to mind: psychopath having that grin of delight as I'm slicing someone to ribbons. However, I could be (and am willing to be) wrong on this one. Exploring the facial expressions while doing my forms could bring a whole new dimension to my performance. So, what the heck, why not play around and see what happens?

One thing for sure is that I will honor my team mate's request of doing my broadsword form with an honest smile and yes, in his presence. But alas, I have requested a favor of my team mate: perform his forms, especially weapons, without smiling. Checkmate.

Sherri Donohue
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta