Todrick Hall Extravaganza

The Southbank at the moment is this wonderful melting pot of culture, expression, music, food - a basket of exploration and experiences as we celebrate Chaka Khan's Meltdown Festival.

It was a delightful experience to attend Todrick Hall's performance. He is a singer, songwriter, choreographer, and YouTuber. Prior to this, I was not familiar with him (and I admit this without any embarrassment. So please, no throwing of heels at me) and had no preconceived notions about what to anticipate. I was pleased that I approached the experience with an open mind and no expectations.

Right from the start, there was a sense of excitement in the air. People were exchanging smiles and interacting as if they were long-lost friends, even if they were strangers to each other. However, it was the energy of Todrick Hall that was fostering this inclusive and festive atmosphere. The attendees ranged from 9-year-olds to much older individuals, with a diverse mix of ages present.

Then the lights went down and there was a huge roar of excitement as his official famed video 'Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels' played, this signalled it was time to parteeee Everyone got to their feet., So not to feel like a squirrel in a cage with chickens, I too decided to stand , pretending that I knew what all the fuss was about, and words to songs i had never heard before, whilst having a sense of knowing that something quite extraordinary was about to go down. The crowd were now singing at the top of their voices, note for note,, word for word, action for action. I was thinking to mime, but thought better of it, in case I got exposed,. These were serious die hard Todrick Hall fans and there was a lot of love and respect for him and they were here to party and party hard.

Then HE made his entrance, and in an instant, I totally got what all the excitement was about. Right from the start Todrick's energy and that of his dancers were vibing. Flamboyant, expressive in his creative element. Honest, open and so very down to earth and relatable. As Todrick rolled through his catalogue of songs, the crowd engaged even more. He shared about his various experiences of love, - the love of love and the deep wrenching pain of betrayal ; the dreams of a young boy who knew he was destined, one day for something big and wonderful; the man who learned to become an activist for his own soul and for the expression of others;, to be unapologetically and expansively Todrick. He was poignant, he was cheeky, he was tearful, he was in your face. Todrick Hall was the epitome of living life large in his authenticity. His music, was the messenger and the crowd loved it and clearly loved him.

Departing with a feeling of joy, I also had a longing to rise high, to discover what was deeper, more delightful, more expressive, and broader within me. I wished to embrace life more completely, similar to Todrick Hall.

Even with all the challenges, the heartbreaks, and the pain he faced, he remained there for both you and me.