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Hop On This Dance Train or Clear The Floor!

 If I could have it my way, dancers would stick around forever because there is something to be said about longevity, a legacy of beauty, expertise and artistic strength. I feel it deeply when great directors and dancers move on to retire. At times it can alter future dance artist expectations and at other times it can widen the gap of understanding and care for the craft and art of dance. These are needed. There was a time that understanding and care was widely seen from studio to stage to screen. It's like being so great of an artist that your very presence demands more hunger, more passion from those dreaming to walk in your shoes. It's felt. It teaches. Dynamic dance artists aren't just for choreographic integrity and aesthetic. They are trailblazers and commissioners of timeless dance. That can never die. Seated at the table with Delores Brown, Dianne McIntyre, Hinton Battle and Ann Williams When we become fans more than stewards, stories fade and successorship doesn...
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Unquenchable Passion To Dance: Remembering Delores Brown

 If I am being honest I feel a bit overwhelmed. After seeing the news about Delores Brown's passing I also felt a bit empty. Having nothing that could fully express my thoughts on her, my connection to her and what her passing has created in the world of dance, I decided to blog.

Here at The Artist Impression I do not shy away from hard topics or controversial conversations. Last night I sat and thought why God allowed Delores to go? Even with the professional arena of dance being filled with tried and emerging artists, I cannot help but to feel that her life was a constant declaration of victory to dance. Deep down I anticipate her life's work, and more importantly her courageous passion for ballet (dance) being briefly acknowledged just to fly in the wind days later. While I am not encouraging stifling mourning, I am challenging the world of professional dance and dance training (that'll lead to a career in dance) to build off of Delores's respect and passion for the art and craft of dance. 

I am also challenging myself. As I continue to dance, teach dance, speak and educate on dance I will tell stories that can propel and build the next crop of legendary ballerinas and dancers. By God's grace, I met and spent time with both Delores Brown and Raven Wilkinson just weeks apart. At the time I had not understood the magnitude of such blessings being given to me. It is more clear now.

According to my path from dance training to professional ballet, I would not have even been a candidate to be in the presence of such greatness, world changers. It was my understanding that their likeness and women of there magnitude were only reserved for the dancers who'd trained in notable programs. My connection to dance didn't begin that way. I was not in that category so I relegated myself to youtube video and history book mentions. Soaking in the essence of who they were and what that meant for now, certainly educated me. Dance history is a love of mine. I still cherish those outlets. However, nothing was like spending time and speaking with them. 

Dancing, teaching, walking and advocating with these fragments of trans-generational greatness, I do my part to ensure such a meaningful legacy never fades. 

Delores, you will be missed and your legacy will have no chance at being forgotten.




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