To slam or not to slam....

I've been invited to participate in the Vibraphonic Poetry Slam taking place on 7th March at the Exeter Phoenix. I was very quick to decline at first, after all I am a slam virgin. I've been writing poetry for a long time, but I've only performed at two public readings, and neither of those were 'slams'. And my poetry is very prose heavy, lovey-dovey, heavily iced - it lacks the strong edged language indicative of this kind of performance. I jumped at the chance to spectate - but perform? I don't think so!

Now, for the last week I've been mulling over my decision, and the slam keeps coming back to haunt me. I've been meeting and speaking with other artists performing in the slam and strange, rapid-fire word combinations have been appearing in my mind at a thrilling pace. I love challenging myself, as a writer and a performer. Perhaps I was too quick to say no. Perhaps I should reconsider. Perhaps I have the 'slam' in me after all.

I haven't changed my mind exactly, but thought that I would do some 'slam' research to help me make the most educated decision. I've been watching numerous youtube videos of slam participants and have concluded that at it's best, it's actually a lot like rap - isn't it? Now that's not a bad thing, although I'm not a traditional rap fan. What I do love about rap though is its unconventionl word wizardry and beat-like trance inducing pace. Slamming is actually pretty complicated stuff and extremely skilled when it's done well. I'm thinking I might give it a go, in a supportive environment (such as the Vibraphonic Poetry Slam), it could be a very liberating experience. Actually, the slam is being held the day before International Women's Day so it would be a wonderful opportunity to create something very personal and meaningful for myself and other women.

I haven't changed my mind yet, but I am wavering....