Skip to main content

Featured

Where Diligence Dances Louder Than Perfection: The Shift That Builds Legacy

 The dedicated artist quickly becomes acquainted with difficulty, tough days and that sort of tug-of-war with mastery. I'm sure you've been there. It's those moment s y ou need to analyze after relaxing into the burning muscles and deep sigh because who is thinking about anything else while trying to stay alive in ballet? Since beginning my dance career, I have always been coached by incredible teachers.  Literally!  Dale Shields, Lydia Abarca-Mitchell, Erin Jaffe-Gardner and so on. While still a high school student, I learned to handle the demands and pressures of dance training to become a professional. I wouldn't say that tough moments feel unfamiliar to me, it's knowing how to deconstruct them for greater outcomes.  Yesterday I learned that I don't need to be a crazy perfectionist in order to elevate my body, mind-body connection, artistry or overall beauty. At this point in my career, I am unlearning and relearning a couple of things. I enthusiasticall...
Post a Comment
Read more

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. 



Comments

Post a Comment