 |
"When I dance, it makes me feel I am in Black Panther Mode" I played football all of my days and pretty well known where we live for this. So when Lukas was born naturally all of my friends thought he was going to be a footballer and follow what I did. From a very young age it was apparent that Lukas was a dancer, from the moment he could walk he would bop and move. He used to spend everyday in Lorraine's studio until I picked him up from work so his love of "Fast" and loud music began then. He did go to football classes however, when he was 4 he sat the whole class down and the coach and made them watch him do a solo around the hall, at the time I put my hand over my face and laughed it off but I knew he had something there and his Mum had been telling me this for some time, I was just too ignorant to it as why would I not want him to be like me. Football stopped and classes begun and he loved life, from the minute he was given the first beginner wear that was him, he loved to perform, loved to learn new moves and loved the buzz. Even though he was not dancing he begged to travel with Lorraine to comps all over so he could watch and support all of the girls at the time. Lorraine & I discussed it (albeit through multiple arguments and disagreements) and I agreed that he was clearly talented (she already knew this) and I would let him dance competitively. Football trials started for teams and my friends would all call me asking Lukas to join their teams, I would have to explain he was not interested and he danced. I would always be asked "how can your son, you the footballer, be a dancer? Is he a fairy?". It was after being asked that a lot I realised how igonorant people are towards boys doing other sports especially dancing. It did upset me for a while but I also knew my son was/is very talented and would be dedicated to what he does. Jax was born and he never had a ball away from his feet, he eats, sleeps & breathes football. This was not put on him as he went to dancing first but just wanted to run around. He loves to dance and even danced at a festival as a first timer (fot 2nd in hip hop out of 25) but he had to wear a football strip and told everyone after he only wanted to be like his big brother that day as his brother is amazing. The picture I sent is from Lukas' 8th birthday where as a family we spent the weekend (at his request) to go watch Newcastle play. He never gets to go as he is always travelling for dancing. Jax, his brother, loved this idea and it was such an amazing day to spend that time as a family watching them appreciate life (Newcastle United) together. Lukas is a very good footballer and when not dancing spends all of his time helping or "training" Jax in our garden which is also great to see. Lukas is known by all of my friends now and they are in awe of what he does and what he has achieved, even my non-dancing (used to be ignorant friends) now follow him and his journey. Never in my life did I envision having a son that was a dancer, let alone a freestyle dancer wearing suits covered in stones and feathers etc. I never thought I would witness my son in ballet tights or tap shoes, only shin pads and football boots covered in mud and sweat.
Stephen, Dad. |