“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.”
-Martha Graham
When I was very little I loved all things pink, delicate, and frilly. I loved ballerinas. I loved the tutus, the slippers, the grande jetes, the undeniable grace. My mom put me in ballet class when I was very young, but I was far too shy and scared of the piano player to stick it out for more than a couple of years. It didn't change my love for ballet though, I would wear my tutu and make up dances at home. I would recruit my sisters, cousins, and neighbors for elaborate shows with choreography, singing, and no shortage of 8-year-old theatrics. Then, in an attempt to find a hobby for one of my sisters, my mom signed all three of us girls and my cousin up for a jazz class with Lois Camire.
I didn't have the opportunity to get to know my new teacher very well, as we moved to Michigan the following year, but I do remember an instantaneous feeling that this was a passionate human who had a great love for dance. When remembering her, my mind pictures leotards & leg warmers, and learning to dance the grapevine to a record.
I remember joy.
Jazz never did become my strong suit but it ignited in me a passion and love for the art form of dance. It was the very early 90’s and I was 14 years old. Some may say that's too old to start dancing. I believe there is no such thing as too old to let music move through your body and be translated into stories.
Over the next 20 years I was greatly blessed to learn from a wide variety of gifted and passionate instructors. Teachers, who taught in their own unique way, each one becoming a part of the teacher that I am today.
As I developed into a dancer, I learned that I had the tools available to me to express great joy and profound grief. I seldom trusted my voice as a communication tool, but as a dancer I could place myself in a character and allow my movement to convey the message that I wished to share. I found the discipline and perseverance that I had gained while trying to master ballet exercises, indispensable when attempting to conquer some of life’s very real and frightening challenges. Perhaps most importantly, I discovered dance to be a place where communication can transcend the boundaries of verbal, physical & social means.
When we learn to communicate through movement the playing field can be leveled if we choose to view it that way.
In my journey through teaching , I had the opportunity to work with and learn from a child, who’s diagnosis left her with limited abilities to use her arms, legs, and voice in a typically developing way. On the mornings that we worked together, we would hold a unique dance class just for her, complete with scarves, wands, and shaky eggs. As she lay in a supine position, she would experience and move to the music in her own wonderful way. Joy spread enthusiastically across her face. We did not communicate with typical back and forth verbal language, but we were communicating nonetheless and I deeply understood her message.
Dance breaks down barriers.
Dance helps us to grow and find common ground. Dance is a vessel that can build our faith and help us to push beyond self perceived limitations. Dance allows us to share our stories when our voice is unable to do the job.
As a teacher, I never truly know why a student is in my class, but I always trust that they are there for a great purpose. Perhaps they will draw on the confidence they gained performing in recitals when they are important speakers in the world. Perhaps later on they will be a kind and compassionate teacher because they remember the joy they felt in helping the youngest of dancers. Perhaps a dancer in their 70’s or 80’s will keep their mobility just a little longer and their heart a little lighter.
Perhaps when a dancer stands at a personal crossroad, they will remember just how very brave, strong, and determined they are and will know that they have the unique skill set it takes to conquer any challenge they face.
Dance is truly for everyone. We just have to let go & let the music move through us, giving space for our unique stories to shine. Don’t fear that first step, you may never know the amazing places it may take you!
Written by: Jennifer Bement