Dancing to Freedom: Reaching Out
Wednesday, March 14, 2012 
A life size image of Maria Tallchief hangs on the wall at the Dance Museum in Saratoga, NY where I take a modern class when the rest of my life doesn't get in the way. She pulls me in with her long limbed beauty and helps me keep going even when I may want to call it quits. What is she reaching for?
I love this photo because of its immediacy. It is balance and motion and emotion, and it is captured. The feeling of it washes over me and as I stand panting in line awaiting my turn to jete across the floor, I am inspired. Ready to balance and get in motion and capture my own emotions in my dance. Ready to lift my own leg in passe and reach out myself.What am I reaching for?
It is when I dance, move my body and create new connections that I reach out...and I thought I'd answer the question, "I am reaching for..."And then I was struck with the truth; there is no need to name it. I can't see what is beyond Maria's grasp...but it doesn't matter. It is the strength of her arm reaching out and the yearning on her face that inspire me. No matter what I reach for, whether I grasp it or no, it is the meaningful extension of myself that makes me whole.
T. Ellis Robinson in Dancing to Freedom, Wellness, Women, dance
Reader Comments (1)
"it is the meaningful extension of myself that makes me whole"...such power and truth in your writing. i feel awe, inspiration and resonance. thank you.