01. The Callie Torres Method
If in doubt, dance it out
When I was in secondary school, I used to be a huge Grey’s Anatomy fan. Myself and my small group of friends would run into school, sit by our year group’s designated locker area, and buzz about what was the latest thing to happen in Shondaland. Who was now dating who? What was the latest scandal? And who was the next unlucky victim of death’s cruel shadow?
Our love for the show was a domino effect. First starting with the self-proclaimed Twisted Sisters of the group – Jess and Emilia – before it quickly spiralled out of control. Soon, we were all obsessed, racing one another to catch up with the show’s current airing schedule. The task wasn’t easy, as we were seven full seasons behind, but we were determined.
My thirteen-year-old self took to the task head on. I had recently delved into the world of binge-watching TV shows, first starting with my Stepdad’s various 24 boxsets, before quickly moving on to the world of American sit-coms. It was safe to safe that I was well prepared for this momentous task. What I didn’t expect, however, was how much I would love the show. In particular, one outspoken orthopaedic surgeon named Callie Torres.
Callie didn’t make her Seattle Grace debut until the latter end of the show’s second season. Though initially billed as a recurring cast member, Callie’s loud free-spirit made a clear impression – so much show that Sara Ramirez was promoted to a regular cast member for the start of the show’s third season. Here, she would make her mark as a feisty resident who would dance around in her underwear whilst living in the hospital’s basement – refusing to let anything stand in her way.
Yet, as the seasons progressed, the Callie’s care-free nature began to slowly diminish. Her husband would cheat on her with another intern before dying in the very same hospital where they met. She would survive an active shooting in the hospital - which several of her friends would not. She would be in a horrific car crash with her then girlfriend Arizona Robbins, resulting in the premature birth of her daughter, Sofia. Only a season later, Arizona – her now wife – lose her leg in plane crash that would take the life of her best friend and Sofia’s father – Mark Sloan. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.
The world seemed to pile itself on top of Callie, presenting the absolute worse to a woman full of force and optimism. In the show’s tenth season, she reflects on this to the show’s namesake – Meredith Grey: “I don’t dance in my underwear anymore.” She isn’t herself anymore.
Though the world threw it’s very worst at the young surgeon, Callie would once again re-discover her free spirit as at the end of that very episode, she would find the courage to dance in her underwear once again.
Though I no longer dip into the icy waters that surround Grey Sloan Memorial, the lessons that it taught me still stick with me – none more than its outlook on dancing. It wasn’t just Callie who danced it out in times of need, almost every character took to the dance floor for a much-needed energy boost. Even Cristina Yang – played by the legendary Sandra Oh – danced it out one last time as she left the show for good in 2014.
So, this is what I want to implement into my life. If Callie Torres can find a way to dance again after everything she’s been through, then surely, I can too. I have my own battle scars, ones that have stripped me from feeling the care-free me I once used to be. But maybe by turning the radio up, donning something comfy, and dancing as if no-one’s looking, I’ll be able to get some of that back. Even if I don’t, I’ll have a hell of a good time trying.
Songs to Dance to:
Most newsletters tend to include a small segment on things to enjoy or look out for, whether it be articles, musing, or what not. So, I thought I would try something new. Since – after all – this is meant to be about re-discovering dancing without a care, then I thought I would suggest some songs to get your started!
I’ve even curated a playlist that I’ll add to with each newsletter, with every song I recommend. You can check out the full playlist here.
- I know this is old news, but Boss Bitch by Doja Cat hits harder than anything I’ve heard in a long time and I’ve found myself dancing to this in my kitchen a lot this week.
- I was recently introduced to American girl band The Aces, and their discography is phenomenal. Their latest single, Daydream, is one of my favourites.
- K-Pop girl group GWSN recently made a comeback with their 4th Mini-Album, The Keys. Their title track, BAZOOKA! has quickly found itself sticking in my head, and has become one of my favourite releases of the year.
- I’ve been listening to I’m Your Girl by KHAN pretty much on loop for the past few days as I try to forget this incredible duo disbanded.
- Finally, if you truly want to embrace the Callie Torres method, then why not dance along to the actual song Sara Ramirez danced to during filming the exact scene.