Swahili readings / Beginner 2 / Hobbies & Free Time

Dancing at a Party

Kucheza Katika Sherehe

Jana jioni nilienda kwenye sherehe ya rafiki yangu. Nyumba ilikuwa na taa za rangi, na muziki mzuri ulisikika polepole kutoka sebule. Harufu ya chakula cha pilau na keki ilijaza hewa, na watu walicheka kwa sauti. Nilihisi aibu kidogo, lakini nilikuwa na hamu ya kucheza. Nilipumua kwa utulivu, nikatazama watu wakicheza kwa makundi, na nikajiambia, leo nitajifunza hatua rahisi. Rafiki yangu Amina alinivuta karibu na ubao wa muziki. Alinionyesha hatua za mbele, nyuma, na upande, taratibu kama mwalimu mpole. Niliinua mikono, nikaweka miguu sawa na mdundo. Nilicheka, nikatabasamu, na nikasikiliza mpiga muziki akipiga nyimbo kali. Wengine walipiga makofi, watoto wakapiga kelele za furaha. Nilihisi joto, nikakunywa maji baridi, halafu nikaendelea. Tulijaribu mtindo wa bongo na rumba rahisi, tukageuka upande kwa upande bila haraka. Baada ya muda tulipumzika, tukapiga picha na kushiriki kipande cha keki tamu. Niliwashukuru mwenyeji na marafiki, kwa sababu walinipa ujasiri. Sasa najua si lazima uwe bingwa ili kucheza vizuri. Unahitaji tu muziki, marafiki wa karibu, na moyo ulio wazi. Niliahidi kujifunza zaidi nyumbani, na kumwalika dada na kaka kujaribu pamoja. Wakati sherehe iliisha, nilirudi nyumbani nikiwa nimechoka lakini mwenye furaha.

English Translation

Yesterday evening I went to a friend's party. The house had colorful lights, and good music was heard slowly from the living room. The smell of pilau and cake filled the air, and people laughed loudly. I felt a little shy, but I was eager to dance. I breathed calmly, watched people dancing in groups, and told myself, today I will learn simple steps. My friend Amina pulled me near the music floor. She showed me steps forward, back, and to the side, slowly like a gentle teacher. I lifted my hands, and placed my feet in time with the beat. I laughed, smiled, and listened to the DJ playing strong songs. Others clapped, children made joyful noise. I felt warm, drank cold water, then continued. We tried a bongo style and simple rumba, turning side to side without hurry. After a while we rested, took photos and shared a piece of sweet cake. I thanked the host and friends, because they gave me confidence. Now I know you do not have to be a champion to dance well. You only need music, close friends, and an open heart. I promised to learn more at home, and invite my sister and brother to try together. When the party ended, I went back home tired but happy.