Manifest: Message

Musing…

“Within light there is darkness, but do not try to understand that darkness; 
Within darkness there is light, but do not look for that light.
Light and darkness are a pair, like the foot before and the foot behind, in walking.” 

– from Sandokai, 8^th century poem by Shitou Xiqian

How many stories and fairy tales divide light and dark and do away with the dark character?  What if we tell a different story, what then?

Charise’s Turn:

In Karen McLane’s original fairy tale “The Crowning of the Woodland Queen”, performed on May 26 at Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center, I had the opportunity to play the Shadow Queen. The Shadow Queen uses her power to attempt to steal the crown that rightfully belongs to the Woodland Queen – a typical formula for such a tale. When her power fails, however, the Woodland Queen does not punish or banish her, she responds to her vulnerability. She dances with her, light and dark reflecting each other’s movements. A transformation.

“Ms. McLane's work may well be the progenitor of a new wave of storytelling. As it is, this work deserves widespread attention… as more and more people use the message of The Crowning to understand and heal their own lives.”  - Alianna J. Maren, PhD, author of Unveiling: The Inner Journey.

When I stepped into the lobby after the show to find friends, several people stopped me to thank me for my dancing. I’ve performed for many years, and to be congratulated is common, but to be thanked is unusual. Those who expressed thanks were visibly moved, at a loss for words. The message of the story hit home. And the import of dance theatre reached a zenith in the humble setting of a local community college.

Get Fired Up:

Hone your message, your intent, that sustains your endeavors and your aspirations. What is it that you want to say – what is the thread that runs through what you create? Your message is your foundation for what you manifest.