The catalyst for writing this post was seeing the dance documentary Rewards for The Tribe directed by Rhys Graham which follows the creative process of a collaboration between two Australian dance companies, Chunky Move and Restless Dance Theatre. The film poetically captures the magic as well as the challenges that come with making a dance piece. What moved me the most in this film was hearing the personal stories from the dancers and what dance means to them; the soul moving significance of the art form. You can hear some of the dancers' stories in the trailer below.
"I'm telling that different stories I have. I feel the stories in my body." - Dancer, Michael Hodyl, in Rewards for the Tribe
"An unspoken language begins; of trust, care." - Dancer, Benjamin Hancock, in Rewards for the Tribe
Dance exists in every culture and has existed throughout human history. Why do we keep dancing? What is the significance of it? What do we feel when we dance?
For me, dance has been a constant companion throughout my life. It has been by my side through life's ups and downs. Where would I be if I wasn't able to express all that was held in my heart, my mind, my entire body? I've danced through sorrow, heartache and heartbreak, through burnout, loss and uncertainty. Dance has also been there in times of joy, excitement, love, celebration and pure contentment.
Dance has also held up a mirror, reflecting back my challenges and guiding my growth.
Freedom is what I feel when I dance. I felt it when I grand jetéd across Moore Park Road as a child and I still feel it when I dance today. I also treasure the stillness and deep sense of connection that comes from dancing.
What is the felt experience of dancing for others? What is the significance of dance in their lives? Here I share with you the beautiful words of dance lovers spanning ages 6 - 79 from across the globe.
Twelve year old Stella from The Children's House Primary in Ireland, teaches herself dance from YouTube videos and particularly enjoys dancing freestyle. For her, dance is important because it helps her feel happier when she is sad or lonely. She sees the variety that exists in dance as a key feature of the art form:
"You can do any sort of dance and not judge it."
The children aged 6-12 from Forestville Montessori School in Sydney shared their reflections after a term of exploring creative dance:
"Dance makes me feel good, like I'm doing something that I like."
"Dance means to communicate. You can do the action, even if you can't talk."
"Boys can dance...they can totally dance! Nobody should say boys can't dance."
"I love dancing because I can get my energy out and relax."
Montessori adolescent advisor, Robyn Warren, shared her observation of adolescents and the intense need they have for self expression. She distinctly remembers one student, who loved to dance, exclaiming:
"The only time I feel truly free is when I'm dancing!"
Renowned Australian dancer, Patrick Harding-Irmer, has been dancing for 52 years. He has had a rich career with highlights such as dancing with the London Contemporary Dance Theatre for 17 years and numerous collaborations with choreographers and artists around the world. He shared with me over dinner how dance allows him to involve himself totally in his role, whether that is to be as technical, dynamic and sensitive with his movements or to communicate the emotions of a character in a story. Dancing allows him to be fully immersed in the moment. As a shy boy the positive feedback he received from dancing for an audience gave him confidence. For Patrick, dancing is what he feels he has been put on this planet to do and feels somewhat unfulfilled when he isn't performing.
I conclude this post with the words of dancer and choreographer, Martha Graham:
"To me, the body says what words cannot. I believe that dance was the first art. A philosopher has said that dance and architecture were the two first arts. I believe that dance was first because it's gesture, it's communication. That doesn't mean that it's telling a story, but it means it's communicating a feeling, a sensation to people. Dance is the hidden language of the soul, of the body."- The New York Times, March, 1985
What do you feel when you dance? What role does dance play in your life?
As always, I love hearing from you! Feel free to leave a comment or write to me: kei@montessoridance.com.au
With love,
Kei x
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