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Are You Still Immersed In The Process? How Content Culture Can Cap The Artist

 It felt so good to move, undulate, and slide into a deep second position to recoil into a contorted contraction. It truly felt like breathing. Surely, I adore codified technique. However, taking a contemporary class last night taught me way more than I bargained for. Get out of your headspace, get out of the mirror, ditch the "content concept" and just dance. I reckon that is my honest thesis. I felt like Jodie (without my Cooper) as I whisked across the floor. Throughout class I thought about the likes and wisdom of dancers like Robert Battle and Matthew Rushing. While dancing, I recalled both of their sentiments that included abandon and connection (to the floor, to the movement, to the work...) while dancing. Truly, I felt that. Suddenly, I am met with a challenge. Maybe it's culture or maybe its Maybeli — nope! It's definitely culture.  For about one minute, I wrestled with walking off of the floor, grabbing my phone, finding a proper angle to record, propping...
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Stop Expecting "A Black Version"

 

Does art need to be made palatable for black people? Are black artists held captive to the expectation of "blackifying" their art? Are black artist only valuable when their art represents black culture?

The other week I had to take a beat as I sat in conversation with someone who excitedly asked me if I would dance at their showcase before proposing that I not do ballet as to not "bore the people". Instead they asked me if I could do "hip hop ballet". I neglected to tell them that I have no clue what that is. A little later on I pondered that exchange and had many questions.

This piece will serve as more of a critical thinking platform and I invite you to indulge. Why is a black artists' art only highly validated within our on community when it is "made black"? That conversation made me feel at crossroads within my own craft. 

Why does this expectation fuel us (perhaps, the majority) to live within our art as if it is the only way to engage truthfully? You aren't a sell out or less effective if you choose your art for the sake of having a passion for it. There are a few themes that validate art. What do you think they are? Don't allow anyone to cuff you to your race or culture, alone. Don't allow anyone to make you feel at a crossroads because your art isn't "black enough". 

I appreciate your heartfelt art. The world needs it. 



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