During the last three sessions we have begun to explore choreography. How do you construct your very own? ……Ah! Choreography!…… not my favorite subject – for me it detracts from the essence of dance, I much prefer improvisation – an unrehearsed, visceral response to a feeling, a moment, the impetus of spirit opening the soul to speak. It seems so counterintuitive to students who are often in a hurry to fly! and be free! But therein lies the diachotomy between freedom and that little thorn – training! Although it often seems counterintuitive to students, they can benefit from the apparent confinment of choreography. Especially if it is a carefully crafted choreography that trains the genre at their level… first they are guided to construct their sky and earth (technique) through which their dance (soul) will be set free to roam. These words from the indomitable Martha Graham sum it up beautifully:
“Simplicity and spontaneity are only arrived at through years of training”.
I would also share with you this most beautiful quote from Charles Sanders Peirce:
‘Enter your skiff of Musement, push off the
lake of thought, and leave the breath of
heaven to swell your sail. With your eyes
open, awake to what is about or within you,
and open conversation with yourself.’
the dichotomy of Egyptian dance….Rooted to fly