Two dancers join in as the team competes in Brasov, Romania.
We’re back from a glorious trip to Eastern Europe, but something happened on the last day that qualifies as the Cherry on Top! The square in Brasov, Romania was abuzz with activity. Just a normal day, we thought. But no. It was a festival day, a day of competition and performances. With kids dancing in traditional costumes. And lilting strains of Romanian music emanating from the stage where the young performers danced the dances taught to them by their elders.
Waiting her turn to join in the dancing in Brasov, this young girl in native dress stands near the stage.
Just seeing the children dressed and waiting for stage time, just watching their cautious I-don’t-want-to-make-a-mistake faces, and seeing that children performing for adults around the world are just the same . . . well, it was the Cherry on Top, for sure.
Waiting and watching can be pretty tough when you’re in competition!
For more examples of Cherry on Top experiences or places or people, check out WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge here.
Fata Dragonului
I was wandering around your blog and this post made me happy and feel awww. I’m happy you had such a lovely surprise in Brasov. I may be subjective, as this is my hometown, but is such a great town. The old part of town is full of lovely places, like the Black Curch near that square where the stage was, the first Romanian school is close by and so on.
Oh, the Places We See
The Black Church in Brasov was one of our favorite sites to see. We were sad that we couldn’t take pictures inside, but our memories are so good of this beauty! We loved the downtown area, the children dressed in costume dancing on the stage, and the food! Would love to return for a much longer time!
gallivance.net
Wonderful photos Rusha. The young girl has a natural beauty that you captured perfectly. And the photo of the nail-biting boy speaks volumes about what’s on his mind – obviously worth a thousand words. These festivals really are the cherry on top. ~James
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks, James. Sheer luck that I even got to see these beautifully children performing. And the pics, too — so many parents holding up iPhones that I could hardly take photos above the crowd. But fun trying!
tappjeanne
beautiful portraits, Rusha!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks, Jeanne. There are definitely more where these came from. Beauty at every turn in Romania!
marthaschaefer
What fun!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for commenting, Martha. We loved happening upon this colorful event. Besides that, I just love seeing kids perform. 🙂
Marian Dinu
beautiful People and beautiful Country! must see
JudyinFrance
I love the photos. The children are charming. Have you noticed how much better people look in unfamiliar places? Amazing.
Judy
Oh, the Places We See
You are so right, Judy. People do look better in unfamiliar places. And in this case, we were admiring the costumes and traditional dance as much as the children performing. An overall pleasant experience soaking in the culture of Romania!
arv!
lovely pictures…love the second portraits!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks! I love that photo also, but it was almost by accident. I was standing on tip-toe trying to see over the heads of parents who were making videos and taking still like crazy! Everyone loved these kids. So, I took a lot of pics but only a few were truly high quality. This little lady just speaks to me!
arv!
Some great pictures are made without actually planning for them. 🙂
Sue
Marvellous! I love serendipity! I once happened on drawing lots for the Palio in Siena…no idea it was happening before we got there!
Oh, the Places We See
Isn’t that fun — happening upon something that you don’t even realize is going on. That’s the joy of travel — finding the new in what some people think is ordinary or commonplace — but it’s all really special when you think about it.
Sue
The joy of travel – definitely!
cwaugh212
Very impressed with how you captured the essence of the festival in these children’s faces.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. I was standing in the audience behind so many parents trying to take photos and make videos that I wasn’t sure I was getting anything! But what fun!
Prior-2001
Wow – your photos are so clear and vibrant – cuiture rich and have that human feeling essence – enjoyed the faces and costumes so much – looks like a great trip!
Peace
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. I really had to use my telephoto for these — I was behind moms, grandmoms, dads, . . . .
Prior-2001
Oh wow – nice lens!
findingnyc
How fun! And you captured great photos of the children as well. Sounds like it was a great last day – I look forward to reading more about your trip.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for taking a look. I hope to begin writing about our trip soon. Appreciate your comments!