The Open Curtain

The hum of a hundred whispers.
The swish of long skirts.
The light tapping of soft shoes on the shining black floor.
The thumping hearts of nervous people.
The sound of people kissing each others cheeks for good luck.
Then everything goes still.
A loud voice speaks announcing names and titles.
Quiet.
The sudden opening of the thick red curtain is startling.
Blinding white lights it our eyes.
The music thundering in the speakers.
The hundreds of eyes staring up at us are all but hidden in the darkness.
The dance has begun.