Yesterday during a meeting with one of my mentees I was prompted to ask a rather thought-provoking question. "Why do you feel more comfortable if someone who looks like you is in the front of the room?". She went on to explain that the comfort level in her appearance and freedom to make mistakes would be much greater. It was not until after I had gone through an entire book that it hit me. It was a day later.
Initially I could not render a deep enough understanding of founder and executive director of Brown Girls Do Ballet, Takiyah Wallace-McMcmillian's creative perspective. At a random moment today I recollected her quote. "...I want every girl to be able to find themselves somewhere in this book. To find someone who looks like them, where they hope to be in their training, where they are or where they've been..." Just as the flame of my passion for dance seems to grow with every experience, whether amazing or not so great, those who will experience The Color of Dance will engage in opportunities page after page, that dare them to dream at any stage (no pun intended but yes!).
It is safe to say that I have not picked up a book that is equally aesthetically pleasing (from front to back) and boundlessly inspiring as Wallace-Mcmillian's The Color of Dance. From the very first page I was captivated and transported to the moment that literally told me everything I needed to know about being and becoming a professional dancer. We all know that famous photo of Linda Celeste Sims. Big hair, purple backdrop and a ferociously strong tilt jump. Linda was my first introduction to dance as a career, seeing a famous dancer and dance's "never to be misplaced" regality.
Speaking of famous, ballerina, dance teacher and dance advocate, Aesha Ash knows exactly how I felt as a sixth grader seeing that photo of Linda. Validating the impact and intention of Wallace-McMillian's work she forwards, "I understood the impact of one singular image". Yes Aesha! If just one image holds that ability, what about many? This book is saturated with vibrant photos that take you on a journey. Whether you are reminiscing or being encouraged, picking up this book will be one of your greatest decisions.
Dance teaches us that beauty is inspiring. It more frequently teaches us that the work can be rewarding when we are committed. That is what this book displays. Amidst its beauty, creative precision and carefully thought out image placement, The Color of Dance is a display of commitment. Takiyah (who also wrote and created the book) started Brown Girls Do Ballet, now a global organization and movement, when her precious daughter came to her saying she wanted to take ballet classes. When Takiyah found no promotional images resembling her daughter she immediately took action. One photo call turned into a bustling group of inquiries and as the story goes The color of Dance would have a platform for its establishment.
If I had to "one-liner" this book I would say "More than anything this book is for dreamers". The wonderful thing about that? You can dream at any stage, no matter your age. As I glance over at my notes taken for this article I am tempted to lay out every single one. There are quotes that really spoke to me, photo settings that were so unique I did not want to flip the page and dancers that I either know, have worked with or know their faces from events. It was fun to flip and be surprised. However, if I really wanted to impress you with how amazing this book is, I would have totally led with how obsessed I was with the hues of brown ombre font color😭. Every dancer, dance enthusiast, aspiring artist, dance teacher, professional dancer and trainee needs to grab a copy of this book. Show up for yourself in a way that feeds your passion and bravery. You'll love it and you will thank yourself.
*It was such an honor to be able to collaborate with Brown Girls Do Ballet again. In 2016 I was chosen to work with the organization on the 28 Days of Dance digital museum project. It's amazing how full circle life can be. Be sure to grab your copy of 'The Color of Dance*
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