“Too embarrassed even to try as long as everyone was looking at me, I made what was probably a fairly unique request. ‘Um, I’ll have a go. But I can’t do it if you’re all looking at me. Can I go inside the wardrobe and sing from there?’ The others looked at me strangely, possibly beginning to worry about the apparent absence of any stage personality in this girl they had just recruited, but to their credit they agreed, without killing themselves laughing, and so in I went. From inside my hidey-hole I sang David Bowie’s ‘Rebel Rebel’. I emerged to a very positive response, the others all declaring that I sounded like Siouxsie Sioux – I was trying very hard to – and while I was quite pleased with myself, I wasn’t sure that I would be able to do it in front of an audience. We could hardly take the wardrobe around with us.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
In this quote from Tracey Thorn, she reflects on a moment of stage fright and embarrassment while auditioning for a band. Thorn's vulnerability shines through as she admits to being too self-conscious to perform in front of others, preferring instead to hide in a wardrobe while singing. Despite her initial hesitation, Thorn receives positive feedback from her bandmates, who compare her singing to that of Siouxsie Sioux. This anecdote highlights Thorn's insecurities and doubts about her own abilities, as well as the importance of support and encouragement from others in overcoming our fears.
Modern Relevance
In this passage, musician Tracey Thorn reflects on a moment of vulnerability and creativity from her past. She is hesitant to perform in front of others, but finds a unique solution that allows her to express herself. This anecdote is a reminder that it's okay to have moments of self-doubt and to find unconventional ways to overcome them. It also speaks to the importance of creating a safe space for oneself in order to take risks and showcase one's talents.
Example of Usage
In this excerpt, Tracey Thorn recounts a moment of vulnerability and self-consciousness when asked to sing in front of others. She makes a unique request to sing from inside a wardrobe to alleviate her stage fright. This showcases a humorous and endearing anecdote about overcoming fear in a creative way.
Reflection Questions:
This excerpt from Tracey Thorn showcases a moment of vulnerability and bravery as she overcame her stage fright by singing from inside a wardrobe. Reflecting on this passage, consider the following questions:
- Have you ever felt too embarrassed to try something new or showcase a talent in front of others? What held you back in that moment?
- How did Tracey Thorn's unique request demonstrate her willingness to step out of her comfort zone in order to pursue her passion for singing?
- In what ways do you think Thorn's experience of singing from inside the wardrobe shaped her confidence and perspective on performing in front of an audience?
- Reflect on a time when you pushed past your fears or self-doubt to try something challenging. How did you feel during and after that experience?
- What techniques or strategies have you used in the past to overcome stage fright or feelings of insecurity when performing in front of others?
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