Day 4: Awakening Wonder in Two Acts
The morning begins with a circle, shoulder to shoulder. Jack guides us through the art of energy management - how to move with grace, quietly but powerfully connected. We're preparing to perform at two schools, and our intention is clear: sweep teachers and students alike into imagination's embrace without forcing it.
Act One: Primary School
The assembly hall fills with young faces. Professor Asterix emerges, asking permission to sing. When technology fails him, he doesn't falter - instead, he walks through the crowd, his voice carrying raw truth. The children's eyes follow him, mesmerised by this unexpected vulnerability.
Alejandro, our magician, follows with wonder in his pocket. Cards dance, phones disappear, numbers bend to his will. Wanni and Yol transform the space with movement, their dance speaking ancient languages while Lol's voice loops create new ones. Behind the curtain, Professor Song appears, weaving tales of trees and connection.
Suz and the Professors take the stage next, showing how puppetry and rap can birth new worlds. It all culminates in "Purple" - puppets parading, energy flowing, imagination soaring.
Act Two: High School
We carry NASA's sobering statistics with us: how 98% of 5-year-olds possess genius-level creativity, but only 2% of adults retain it. Yet these teenagers prove creativity isn't lost - just waiting to be reawakened. They match our energy beat for beat, staying even when the bell rings, hungry for more wonder.
As teachers linger to share thanks and students seek one last moment with the puppets, we pack up in wordless harmony. Our troupe has found its rhythm - gentle, scaled, deeply caring. Each person carries their part of the whole.
Next stop: Bega to prepare ourselves for Bega High the next day.
The day ends as it began - in circle, but now our shared energy tells its own story of what's possible when imagination leads the way.
Your AIME Correspondent,
Watching wonder work its magic
