“Only one who devotes himself to a cause with his whole strength and soul can be a true master. For this reason mastery demands all of a person.” -Albert Einstein

Tonight I went to see a ballet interpretation of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. In addition to a remarkable interpretation of the epic album that defined a generation, our local company also performed two other original works by our own choreographer. Surprising, spectacular and thought provoking are a few of the adjectives that reflect the beauty and originality of the dance.

Remarkable choreography is nothing without gifted dancers. The Eugene Ballet company includes dancers from all over the country and a few from other countries. The strength of holding a pointed leg in full split above the head while standing on one toe and fanning the arms like a breeze requires enormous athleticism, certainly no less than what is being demonstrated at the current Olympic games. Making ballet look so easy is the work of a lifetime.

Our community here is one of the smallest in the country that can boast a world class performance hall and our own professional orchestra, choir, acting and ballet Company. We know the professional performers as community members. My son takes violin form one of the orchestra violinists, and several others have been teachers to my other children. My daughter took ballet lessons in the studio next door to the professional dancers. Not long ago, I was behind the prima ballerina in line at the Post office.

What occurred to me while watching this amazing show is that all communities are loaded with so many people striving to be their best. Enormous talent of all kinds, some that we can hardly imagine is often in the same grocery aisle. I am not just talking about the stars and those that make the cut of professional performers, just look around and be surprised of the talent and mastery in your midst. I bet it takes your breath away, too.