05.20.11

Tonight . . . a dance in four parts. It is healing and celebratory in nature and means unique things to each of the dancers involved.

To me, this is a physical work of art that represents the spectrum of emotions that I’ve experienced since losing my father to suicide.

When the music cues for this performance I am immediately brought back to the moment of dark discovery– my dad, my hero, had departed without a goodbye. No note, no ‘best of luck, I’ll be thinking of you’, nothing. I was left with profound feelings of anger, confusion, and betrayal.

Then, as the dance transitions, we come to a crucial turning point in my life –the realization that I needed to make a conscious decision to heal, and that the world did not end with my father’s death. This was a time of gathered courage, strength, and determination, and it is depicted through the celebratory movement of African dance.

Then, we enter phase III, the metamorphosis period . . . the time where I began to flourish in my healing. Through ballet and contemporary dance we portray optimism, acceptance, and growth. We as artists embody the healing components that kept me moving forward as I came to terms with my father’s death.

Lastly, we find ourselves in a unified moment of enlightenment. This is a celebration of life, a commitment to expressing ourselves so we can feel better, no matter how difficult this journey may be.

This is me remembering my father for who he was and not how he left us.

This is me keeping my father alive through our love of dance.

This is me staying committed to the healing of others through the beauty that is YOUSPOKE.

I invite you to come watch this meaningful piece at the Revamped Fashion Show tonight at the Bridgeport Arts Center. Doors open at 7:00, show begins at 9:00. Proceeds benefit EarthShare.org. Learn more at: http://www.earthshare-illinois.org/revamped/

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