7.   The Dragon’s Dance 4:43
      The Orchard

Clare labors in an orchard, picking peaches under burning afternoon sun. Wipes sweat from her brow. Hears a rustle in the bushes, looks, but nothing’s there. She guzzles water, then back to work. 

A cloud drifts to create golden light rays that reveal the Dragon in hiding, watching her. He disappears in shadow. She rubs water on the back of her neck. A branch breaks—startles her. She grabs her picking-pole and demands whoever’s there show themselves. From behind a tree, a pompous rich man appears and strolls up the road in an embroidered cape and gaudy hat. He flirts. She’s annoyed. He displays his fabulous jewelry. She’s not interested and goes back to work. He dances, inviting her to join him. She’s got baskets of peaches to load on her cart. He continues flirting and dancing. She waves him off. He puts his hand to his heart, feigning heartbreak, bows graciously, and saunters down the road until she turns back to work, then he seems to magically vanish. The audience sees this. She doesn’t. 

A dazzling Flamenco Guitarist appears from where the Rich Man vanished, dancing passionately and caressing his guitar like a lover. She watches, amused. Mimics his fancy footwork. Challenged, he launches into a fantastic display of virtuosity and seductive intent. He finishes in a dramatic pose, gives her the eye. She mimics his flashy finish, then gestures for him to be on his way. He’s indignant, makes a rude gesture and heads down the road. As she turns back to work, he vanishes into the setting sun, but from its red orb, now sitting on the horizon, we see a Gypsy appear, dancing with a tambourine. 

He charmingly dances around her, asking her to join him, but she’s got work to do and the light’s fading. As she turns her back to pick up a bushel, he waves his hand and magically loads all the rest. She turns to see him leaning on the cart—all the baskets loaded. She’s amazed. He jokingly  gestures he’s a strong man. She’s taken with him. They dance, clowning around. His disguise suddenly falls off, revealing the Dragon. She stumbles back in horror, smacks her head on a tree branch and slumps to the ground. He helps her up. She insists she’s fine, staggers a few steps, then swoons. As he catches her, she throws her arms around his neck for support and passes out. He lovingly lifts her into his arms just when...

The Dragon In Love

The Dragon's Dance

7. The Dragon's Dance

Composer - California, USA
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7. The Dragon's Dance

Jacques Bailhé