Save the Last Dance for Me

The 2009 Sundance film Festival is now officially over. No, wait, they still have Best of Fest tomorrow night at The Egyptian Theater in Ogden…but it's in Ogden, so it doesn't really count.

As usual the fest had its ups and downs; No one assaulted me, but we did have a few more odd ducks than in my past experience. I got to see a lot of volunteers that I've come to know in the last four years that I've worked at The Rose, but some didn't make it back this year. And of course we had our share of new ones. For some this is their first and last, others get hooked and return again and again. Clearly, since I only saw four films, I don't only do this for the free movie tickets. When we first moved to Utah, I volunteered for the festival because I love films, but I kept on volunteering because I enjoy the company of the other volunteers.

Besides the volunteers, I've come to know the patrons. Some return each year. Their eyes light up when they see you, they come over and shake your hand or give you a hug, saying how good it is to see you again. You chat about how things have gone for the last year, marking milestones or highlights. We survey each other on what we've been to watch and what we like or dislike. Sometimes they will seek you out when they know that they will not be coming back to your venue again and say goodbye. Some just fade away. All of them leave an impression.

And then there is the staff at The Rose Wagner; Julie, Jeff, Brad, Stephanie- theater managers who work there full time and help us out when we invade their turf and muck things up for ten days. There is also a satellite Sheriff's office at the venue. The fine men and women assigned there assist us, laugh with us, share coffee and stories, and genuinely act like they are pleased to see us. Of course, they could be faking it and would be just as happy to use us for Tazer target practice, but I'd like to think not.

Tonight, as a special treat for our volunteers, the six managers ponied up some money and we had Sundae Monday. We provided our people with ice cream, toppings, and whipped cream. It was a small gesture meant to be a token of our appreciation for all the hard work that they do for us. Jennifer, who is a vegan, also brought in vegan chocolate lava cake, vegan whipped topping, and soy "ice cream". A good time was had by all.

So this ends my last dance for this year. And, barring any unforeseen circumstances (or a stint in prison), I'll put my boogie shoes on next year and do it all over again.