nell furtado

 She was nervous during auditions, even though she never actually had to prepare a piece because her grandmother automatically placed her as the lead role. She was nervous backstage with the rest of the frantic cast during rehearsal. She was nervous during rehearsal. Despite this fright, Nelly always looked forward to performing for an audience. Although the bright stage-lights interrupted her sight, she could see every single person’s face. She stood on the stage and musical notes seemed to float out of her small mouth, still with missing permanent teeth, the only reason being because every guest sitting in front of her, listening, had a different story.
Beauty only accompanied her voice, she thought. Her voice was the audiences’ possession. Not hers, not her grandmother’s, but to each person that sat below the stage. Although she didn’t recognize the reason for this, it was obvious. During shows, her grandmother was no longer directing her. The need to improve and impress no longer impacted Nelly’s performance. She could shine, she didn't have to worry about finishing dinner. Nelly feasted off of the feelings that erupted beneath her skin. She didn't need to be anxious about stepping into the cold, dancing under the stage lights was similar to sitting next to a roasting fire, and kept her warm for the night. Performance night was an intimate experience, meant only for Nelly and the audience to share.