I’ve been battling a case of “Where I Belong” which always requires a re-energizer to get me back in the swing of things. When I first started (thought of) this journey I was overwhelmed by bright ideas, joy, hope, inspiration, the I can do anything phenomena (of which, from the depths of my soul, I still believe)….you name it; I had it. Yet, suddenly and queitly the spirit of perhaps you don’t belong has been creeping up in my spine. So now (for awhile) I’m pondering: “How do I make this journey unique/mine and OWN IT without offending/disrespecting those great souls who spend their entire lives (and livelihoods) engrossed in the pursuit of and love for Dance, Poetry, Theatre. I’m still working this one out…..
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Finally. I have recovered from Inauguration Madness and I’m back. I won’t talk much about my Inaugural Experience…only to say that it was fabulous being amidst the mayhem and chaos. Thanks to a giving light (Kim!), I scoped a “Golden Ticket” to watch the Inauguration on the Capitol Grounds (narrowly avoiding the Purple Tunnel of Doom…THANK YOU MOTHER NATURE).
Once I made it…actually just as the ceremony was starting and directly after the musical interlude….. I settled into a spot after awhile and stood in frigid weather to see (mostly hear) the President Obama take his Oath of Office. And of course I was anxiously awaiting the Inaugural Poem read and composed by Elizabeth Alexander. (Actually, I thought that perhaps, I’d missed it because it took me soo long to get to and go through the security check points. You might remember my earlier post on Dr. Alexander.
Unfortunately, I was in the minority and once the Oath of Office was done the crowd of thousands started to slowly shift to the exit…..trailing behind them was noise and picture snapping. Needless to say it was impossible for me to follow Dr. Alexander’s presentation (or Rev. Lowery’s benediction for that matter) and almost wouldn’t have known it was over if it were not for a few sporadic hand-claps waving through the audience.
Although, there has been much criticism of Dr. Alexander’s Inaugural Poem…….. I think the text is beautiful and wise. Wise for her to stay herself and share with us words that evoke History (the ancestors are beaming and stomping Thank You’s), Voice, Movement, Love, Light….and importantly the reminder that we hold the power to Create and Inspire tomorrow’s praise. I found the language to be simple yet stimulating; creating (and evoking) lasting, lingering images of people….people loving and moving towards peace…people we all know, have known, or will know at some point in time. How brilliant of Dr. Alexander to allow us along on this journey….
Praise Song for the Day by Elizabeth Alexander
A Poem for Barack Obama's Presidential Inauguration Each day we go about our business, walking past each other, catching each other's eyes or not, about to speak or speaking. All about us is noise. All about us is noise and bramble, thorn and din, each one of our ancestors on our tongues. Someone is stitching up a hem, darning a hole in a uniform, patching a tire, repairing the things in need of repair. Someone is trying to make music somewhere, with a pair of wooden spoons on an oil drum, with cello, boom box, harmonica, voice. A woman and her son wait for the bus. A farmer considers the changing sky. A teacher says, Take out your pencils. Begin. We encounter each other in words, words spiny or smooth, whispered or declaimed, words to consider, reconsider. We cross dirt roads and highways that mark the will of some one and then others, who said I need to see what's on the other side. I know there's something better down the road. We need to find a place where we are safe. We walk into that which we cannot yet see. Say it plain: that many have died for this day. Sing the names of the dead who brought us here, who laid the train tracks, raised the bridges, picked the cotton and the lettuce, built brick by brick the glittering edifices they would then keep clean and work inside of. Praise song for struggle, praise song for the day. Praise song for every hand-lettered sign, the figuring-it-out at kitchen tables. Some live by love thy neighbor as thyself, others by first do no harm or take no more than you need. What if the mightiest word is love? Love beyond marital, filial, national, love that casts a widening pool of light, love with no need to pre-empt grievance. In today's sharp sparkle, this winter air, any thing can be made, any sentence begun. On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp, praise song for walking forward in that light.
I know. I haven’t written or said much about ‘Poetry’ in the first 3 months. Honestly, I just don’t know why. I’m kind of flying by the seat of my pants and Dance and Theatre took off first. Perhaps, now is the time to light the Poetry flame. My friend MSJ shared Thursday, December 18th’s edition of the Washington Post with me. Namely, because he knows that I’ve been interested in the story of Jon Favreau, President Elect Obama’s Chief Speechwriter, and soon to be Director of Speechwriting in the White House at the phenomenal age of 27 (my current age!)
I’d written a group of my friends about a month ago sharing what I knew of Favreau’s story with a discussion point specifically about Favreau’s age and how great (and scary), that at 27 (our age!) he has this amazing (and I’m certain stressful) job of helping to shape the President’s words. Wow! It got me thinking about my passions, where I am now with 12to28, and the importance of being ready when opportunities come. It created just enough envy to set my fire to an intense blaze again.
Well, MSJ gave me the Post so that I could read the front page article on Favreau titled “Helping to Write History” and below it I spot an article on The Inaugural Poet titled “Selection Provides Civil Rights Symmetry“. Although first I spotted the picture, noting someone familiar, of Dr. Elizabeth Alexander, Poet and Scholar of African American Literature and Culture. The article, which is a lovely read, introduces Dr. Alexander by sharing the story of her parents taking her to the March on Washington when she was a tiny toddler of 1 years old and makes the obvious connection to the enormity of her January appointment to breathe words of purpose during the Inauguration.
I’d met Dr. Alexander back in undergrad when I served as President of the Honor’s Student Cabinet at Dillard. The Honor’s Department hosted a special colloquium where 4-6 artists/writers/creators were invited on campus to share their gift with students and faculty. Honor’s students were treated to special intimate 2-4 hour sessions with the special guests where we in groups of 6-8 had time to discuss, debate, talk, chat and laugh with the creators about their work…and what ever else the conversation landed on. (Of course, we did our homework ahead of time! We were all given copies of and read the guests’ work to aid in that lively discussion weeks before their anticipated arrival.) The guests’ week long visit ended with a University-wide (Open to the public) reading/dialogue.
Dr. Alexander and I at DU circa 2002
In addition, to being fortunate enough to be in her small group discussion, I was Dr. Alexander’s student host. I welcomed, escorted and assisted her with getting to her campus destinations and just did my best to make sure she had a comfortable, enjoyable time. My memory about that time is clouded with how warm and approachable, yet reserved and slightly shy….maybe a pleasant melancholy?…sober thoughtfulness?….Dr. Alexander appeared to me.
I remember her voice being light, again, warm and inquisitive in our Honor’s small group discussion. And I remember myself and classmates being more reserved than normal….hesitant with our thoughts, as if we were writing and reviewing the final draft for the third time before we would allow our professor to read our creations.
Dr. Alexander was patient and kind. She asked lots of questions when we as students reverted to our shy, self consious selves…trying to become invisible in the room. Now that I think of it, I wonder how many of us first, read, and then, digested Dr. Alexander’s work. I know that we discussed in some part the Venus Hottentot...but nothing remarkable about the dialogue exchange has stuck with me. I remember thinking or feeling not as impressive as usual.
What has stuck with me….what I keenly remember is the thoughtful space and the sometimes silence Dr. Alexander seemed to occupy during my time and exchange with her (walking along the Avenue of the Oaks or in the Honor’s Seminar Room) and the 21 year old college student that was me trying to interpret what that meant and where I fit into it.
Today, I feel I’m closer to finding out. I think it begins when my pen hits paper and begin to compose what is my poetry…and just not a fulfillment to or for 12to28. Although, I love, Love, LOVE Marvelous Maya and Sweet Sonya and the other well known scribes in my community I am so utterly awash that Dr. Alexander’s light will shine in this way…during that January 20th spotlight. So that Saartjie’s and the other stories may reach more & more unknowing minds.
The good news is that I’ve been more adventurous this past week. I took 3 classes in a row on Thursday (Hula, Basic Hip-Hop. and Poppin) and today: Capoeira.
The not so good news is that basically, my body hurts. I’m sore. I feel my muscles straining. I’m just plain sluggish and a little disappointed that the things I used to do with ease as a kid (like cartwheels…jumps and kicks) are no longer easily administered. A few times during class I laughed out loud in response to how ridiculous I felt not being able to flip my body like my ‘brain’ was hoping for…..sigh
Yet, there is hope. After Thursday’s poppin class the instructor GWO said my deliver reminded me of the dancer Zero…..hmmm flattery is definitely the way to go build self esteem. lol. I am not as good as Zero and I virtually have no free-styling ability (frankly if the instructor isn’t dancing along with me. I probably won’t stay on beat) but I am inspired to push myself to the next level and use my tools more. Yes, the body is a tool and if you don’t use it, stretch it, work it out…..it WILL NOT perform to it’s full capacity. Lesson Learned.
As another year comes and goes I’ve been thinking about something my Hula Instructor Gina announced in class awhile back…that “Hula is much more than a dance…it is a lifestyle. It’s about Living Aloha”. Gina continues by explaining what Living Aloha means:
- Akahai, meaning kindness to be expressed with tenderness;
- Lôkahi, meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony;
- `Olu`olu, meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness;
- Ha`aha`a, meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty;
- Ahonui, meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.
These are traits of character that express the charm, warmth and sincerity of Hawaii’s people. It was the working philosophy of native Hawaiians and was presented as a gift to the people of Hawaii.
- Aloha is more than a word of greeting or farewell or a salutation.
- Aloha means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return.
- Aloha is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence.
- Aloha means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable.
And also forwarding me some great reading material on Living Aloha and Hula. Now, I also thought back to my first day of Hula class in September. Gina approached me and said “Hula is for Everyone….” and gave me a big hug and kiss on the cheek (which is how we depart after each class!) I thought I must have really been horrible for her to come and console me this way! (But it was really what I needed.) Generally, I can tell when I suck, my face is contorted and the competitive side of me wants to get it right…and right away. Now, I know that Gina was of course right! Yes, Hula is for everyone and whatever brought me to it’s doorstep I’m soo happy to have been embraced. Living Aloha is aligned with how I want to craft and live my life. It is what 12to28 is about. I have a little smile now as I sense that Ahonui has made a space in my heart.
But of course, here comes my confessional. Because Dance is a weakness I wanted to take a class that was fun, exciting (new…at least to me), and not so challenging. And what I ended up with was the intensity, focus, and preciseness that is Hula, (including a much more difficult time catching on to the moves). Mentally, I’m always ahead of my body.
Yes! Hula is sooo much more than you think! I must say that I’m happy my bubble was shattered and that I’m experiencing the dance for all it’s richness. My body is catching up with my mind and getting better every week! It is a honor to be learning Hula….I guess I’ve been most struck by all there is to learn when dancing and how it has become such a great way to awaken my spirit, my bones, myself to the hidden potentials I possess…..Maybe we should all take some time infuse the principles of Living Aloha……..
One of the small things in my life that really brings a spark of joy or contentment is reading the free Daily Express (of the Washington Post) papers that are issued in front of the DC Metro Stations and can be found around town in bright yellow news paper boxes. I don’t know why I enjoy reading it so much, particularly after a friend informed me that the news in the Express is always/generally a day or so late.
I guess it’s because I always find useful information and great events that I would have otherwise missed. (It’s sometimes hard to stay in the KNOW in DC with so much going on.) While running an errand Monday morning and picking up someone’s left over Express on the H8, I saw an advertisement for a Young Playwright’s Theatre event at the GALA Hispanic Theatre and that magic word “free“. After a little bit of debate I convinced myself to check out the event.
The event was sponsored by YPT or Young Playwright’s Theater a non-profit organization that teaches students to express themselves clearly and creatively through the art of playwriting. According to their website, they do this via a combination of in-school, after-school, and special event’s programs. Monday’s event was a part of a workshop series called New Writer’s Now! where students in grades 8th-12th have professional actors stage readings of their plays. The theme was GREEN, GROWING and ORIGINAL and featured 7 short plays and poetry written by 8 very talented young superstars. The students’ pieces ranged from serious, to dramatic, to funny and explored issues that ranged from Environmental vs. Human Stability, Immigration, and public figures (like Al Gore) and their influence on how environmental issues are viewed. Afterward, the Executive Director of YPT lead a talk-back session with the young Artists, actors and the audience.
This event was very refreshing and I was pleased to see the diversity of voice & style that manifested from the student’s pieces and, likewise, the diversity of personality and expression as they each shared a bit about themselves and their motivation for writing their particularly piece. Unsuspectingly, I left very motivated and encouraged armed with great advise from some of the world’s brightest and most imaginative….
If you’re in the DC area please check out YPT’s other events in the New Writers Now! series in 2009 (Feb 2, April 20, & June 
all at the GALA at 7pm and check out the other great special programs they have happening for young people & the young at heart!
After I finished, refining my Single Ladies dance skills on Saturday, I headed over to NE DC to see a preview of a friend’s upcoming show FEMA’s 1603 at an event called 12×6. 12×6, sponsored by the Artists’ Bloc provides a venue where artists from all genres are provided the opportunity to present their developing work to their fellow artists and the public for peer review. The event held at the great space that is the Atlas Performing Arts Center located on historic H-Street featured:
1. FEMA’s 1603 by Giani Clarkson
Giani (a Katrina survivor) explores the effects of Hurricane Katrina via 10 different characters. During the full production of FEMA 1603 in January, the project will be raising funds for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. Although, I went to college was Giani and recall seeing him on and around campus, this was my first glimpse of him in action. He’s extremely talented and has natural gift for embodying and giving voice on stage to a multitude of characters. The show premiers in January 2009 at Flashpoint DC. So get your tickets today!
2. Black and Kinky Among Brown Waves by Margaux Delotte-Bennet
Black and Kinky explores a young woman’s experience living & working in India for six months. Although, still in development I know this is a piece I’ll want to see. Aside from loving the title, I enjoy pieces that explore identity and place and one’s journey of experience coping with each.
3. The Race by John Milosich
This piece explores a young man’s thoughts and perceptions on Race and Racism. Milo’s performance will definitely be one to watch. Although for me the topic was not, his interpretation, physical performance was imaginatively different and will definitely engage and encourage a firestorm among those interested in the exploration of the topic of Race/Racism.
The audience watched about 10-15 minutes of each of the Pre-viewing pieces, had some quiet time for anonymous written feedback, and then, facilitated by an Artists’ Blocl rep, engaged in a lively dialogue with each Playwright/Performer. I took alot of way from this event and was able to learn from and see great talent on stage…comfortable and owning it…..what a great feeling that must be!
This was my second time visiting Atlas, the first was at a similar event sponsored by the African Continum Theater and included staged readings of up & coming plays with the feedback session from the audience…..hopefully, it won’t be my last.
This weekend, against my better judgement, I joined in with Kadriene’s Video Choreography Class to learn the dance moves to Beyonce’s new single “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)”. Yes, I did! Shocked myself. The weekend Video Choreography classes are new and were initiated to help raise money for the DC Dance Collective’s SOS (Save Our Studio) Fund.
If you’re one of the few people in the world who has yet to see the video please check it out below courtesy of YouTube:
Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Now, Imagine me busting the moves….. A brief history. Upon seeing the premier of this video. I immediately thought this looks familiar. It wasn’t until my friend MSJ and I were having a chat and he pulled up a oldie but goodie video of 3 older Caucasian women circa 1965 doing a dance choreographed by Bob Fosse.
Walking it Out Bob Fosse Style
And it hit me! I’d seen the video over a year an half ago when I was searching for video’s on how to do the ‘Walk It Out’ dance. Well the late Bob Fosse has inspired many greats and I don’t think he’s getting the credit he deserves. To see what I mean check out this video of Fosse circa 1974 performing “A Snake in the Grass”
Bob Fosse in “A Snake in the Grass” from the movie A Little Prince
hmmm…remind you of anyone?!? Totally blew my mind…but that’s another blog posting.
Back to class. Now Saturday, I was joined by a group of friends who were celebrating a birthday and decided to surprise the B’day girl with 1.5 hours of booty shaking Beyonce style. Kadriene, who by the way is an Amazing instructor (precise, thorough, and just plain great), kicked off with her usual 10-15 minute warm up and dove straight into the first steps of the choreography. Ok, I can handle it: make your hand heavy and sway your hips for 8 counts in an exaggerated motion. Next up: hop-step out, kick, left leg out, hands on but and shake, shake, skake-shake-shake….All good until the music came on and the tempo…well, it’s fast. Needless to say we were all looking a bit like Video Girl rejects….Some more moves and then the infamous twirl your torso and drop it down to the floor (One leg bent, the other extended) that Beyonce so elegantly performs.
I’ll spare you the details…but folks it is why I presume Bey has “A Ring On It” and I don’t. Though, all jokes aside, besides the fact that I’m not naturally gifted in dance (only a hard worker) that class kicked my butt! Beyonce’s Choreographer, Back-up Dancers, and of course Beyonce are all in great shape and if I don’t become a famous, brilliant dancer by the end of 12to28 at the very least I’d like to be in pristine physical condition.
Admittedly, my performance in Day 2 was an inch better (let’s say I could kick at the appropriate times) and I was able to convince a friend of mind to join me. And I had fun! (Everybody, present had a good time!) All in all, I’m learning to put aside the embarassment of not being a great dancer immediately, trusting myself and letting it all hang out (well, at least slowly but surely).
It’s been two months and one day since 12to28 kicked off and I’ve been busy! First off, I must say that this endeavor is not easy! I mean taking a sabbatical during an economic down-turn may not have been one of my brightest ideas….Not to mention the daily stress associated with staying on task and motivated (Who knew that I’d actually dream about having employer sponsored health insurance again? sigh) but the other hiccups like the WIFI malfunctioning on my laptop (if its not one thing it’s another), and losing my cell phone and wallet (not on the same day) on the Metro!
Yet, the challenge of working my body to perform….stretching my toes, hips, back in Hula; learning my many voices….and wondering why my voice sounds so much more different than I’d anticipated….
hmmm….Yes, it’s good to finally be meeting these parts of myself. Our introductions have been long over due.
I’m still going strong in Hawaiian Hula and will share (in a separate post) my mission to LIVE ALOHA! I’ve moved on from Turkish Belly Dance….my spirit began to drift slowly away and now I’m on to researching a new groove. Any suggestions in the DC area? I have two weeks left of my Acting/Realism class and though I’m saddened by this revelation I’m excited to embrace what’s next…Maybe an audition??
You might have also noticed the change on my Journey page….don’t be alarmed the Show Will Go On!….and it’ll include a layover to enjoy the Presidential Inauguration Activities in January. And honestly, more time to budget, Fundraise, and secure a gig that pays alot of money fast! (Did I mention fundraise?!)
Well, I meant to write this post yesterday on August 19th. The 12to28 kick-off is quickly approaching and have so much to do. This summer has been an phenomenal one….As I worked to make and save money for 12to28 I’ve been able to sneak in a few pre-12to28 events. Including this past weekend in NYC where I witnessed Laurence Fishburne embody Thurgood; admired the many sites and sounds of the Harlem Jazz and Music Festival; participated in an actor’s workshop taught by Mel Jackson at Hueman’s in Harlem; and sat in on an Advanced Beginner Ballet class at the infamous Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. Absolutely AMAZING unplanned weekend. Actually, I’ve had plans to see Thurgood since May but the other happenings were simple acts of kindness from above. The ones that say: There are no coincidences.
