Musing…
“The most important
thing in life is learning how to fall.” – Jeanette Walls, Half-Broke Horses
I’d add this phrase: “…and how to recover”. Fall and recovery is a technique that Doris
Humphrey, a pioneer in modern dance, honed in her choreography. She championed the principle of falling
and regaining your balance, going to the edge of an arc, the edge of a swing. You risk falling.
Charise’s Turn:
It wasn’t a part of the choreography, but in the performance
of “Ghawazee”, a gypsy inspired dance, I slid to the floor. The setting was a
benefit for Aid Afghanistan, an organization that supports schools for
marginalized Afghans, particularly girls. How poignant that we of Ancient
Rhythms Dance Company had the freedom to dance for those whose freedoms are
curtailed. The gypsy dance is exuberant; its main purpose is liveliness, to
bring the room alive. During rehearsals our artistic director encouraged us to
let loose so that our movements didn’t appear too set or stylized. She didn't
have in mind my slipping on one of the donated Afghan rugs that flanked our
stage area. But when you find yourself slipping, there’s nothing to do but go
with it -- which I did with exuberance, smiling all the way down and back into
the dance. Feedback from the audience? "It was exciting!"..."Made the performance more accessible"..."Happened with such grace."
Get Fired Up:
Be prepared to fall – the more risks you take, the more you
step out of your comfort zone, the more confident you become, the bolder you
are…you are bound to slip up. This is where grace, humility, courage, humor,
spontaneity can show itself.
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