The new dawn blooms as we free it
For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it
If only we’re brave enough to be it
—Amanda Gorman, from The Hill We Climb
I awoke this morning from a dream wherein I was, as a dancer, in the follow’s role. There was a quality to the dream such that, once in my partner’s embrace, I felt emotionally and physically locked in, as in fully present. The transition into that state was definitive, a moment of connection where I became focused, alert and responsive. In essence, what it’s like to follow ideally in real life.
Later, while sitting quietly, it occurred to me how closely related are the two disciplines of meditation and dance. Both can reward a clear mind and deep listening with a profound sense of being in flow. Each requires us to return our awareness to the present, repeatedly. And either can provide divine insights which help us transcend limitations. To be clear, I’m a rank amateur at both following and meditating, and have been afforded mere fleeting glimpses of what lies beyond the banality afforded by my weak powers of concentration and skill. Still, these glimpses are supremely enticing.
In her book “The Case for God,” Karen Armstrong contends that with “constant, dedicated practice” we can achieve what was formerly considered impossible, what the Greeks called ekstasis, or a “stepping outside” the norm. With this sort of commitment to learn, she says, your mind becomes able to direct your body “in a way that bypasses conscious, logical deliberation.” The sublime result, according to Armstrong, can be when “a dancer becomes inseparable from the dance.”
I’ve come to believe, over the years, that following is the essence of being a talented dancer in any role. I’ve utter respect for all who follow, and awe for those who make it look easy. I’ll continue practicing in hopes of one day realizing the vision in my dream, the seemingly effortless metamorphosis into blissful union.
May your dreams be sweet and your practice fruitful at any of the events listed online at the Dance Calendar.
See you on the dance floor —Sean Donovan