Turning Movement into Words
Eric Hawkins
RECENTLY I have been writing about dance more than actively dancing, and since this blog is a platform on which to bounce my opinion to the small readership I have, I thought to take the first long day of summer to do so.
This was the first Spoleto where my fellow dancers in Anonymity Dance Company chose not to put a show together, for various reasons. For me, I welcomed not having a ‘gig’ since my domestic schedule was overloaded, and I was finally clear to see my performing days as over. My husband will never believe this; he calls me Brett Favre as I have stepped out of retirement before stepping into it with two feet more than once.
But now that I actually did not show up on a stage and have no plans to do so, I must consider what to do next. That’s why I dove into writing about Spoleto and settled into being just an observer. In the back of my mind, however, I felt the profound absence of an old friend. So before I cross over, I need to honor what has defined me for the past nearly four decades before I figure out what to become next.
Dance to me has always been a life force focus. As a young dancer, I liked the discipline required to learn movement, execute it correctly, and ultimately to communicate with it.
Merce Cunningham Dancers
Beginning in ballet, where there is only one way to do the steps with French names, it took many years to practice and train with a group of like minded people, and to be inspired by teachers whose beauty, grace, and precision shaped me. Later, as a teenager, when I saw other forms of dance, it was modern dance that most spoke to me. I saw a way of freedom with which to move and not just imitate what others did, creating my own ways of movement.
With dance I feel my most powerful and most intuitive self. It is a place where my mind, body, and spirit completely align and I am 100 percent present in every moment. After performing I can remember everything about what I have done. It is in dancing that I feel closest to God or some divine being much bigger than myself. It is a wordless poetry which I feel most honored to be a part of.
Martha Graham
For the past 15 years I have been a teacher and loved sharing my knowledge of movement with young people who usually find something out about themselves through dance. I will continue to train and coach young dancers as I feel responsible for the the education and appreciation of the art form.
With dance, the body leads and the mind follows and in writing the mind must lead with the body inactive, but there must be a way to inform one with the other. I know the wisdom of the body is where it must come from.
So now I must find a way to keep my love of dance alive and embark on a new writing practice. I expected writing to be a part of my “second act” as both my grandmother and mother were/are writers, and it is my lineage to use words to express myself. As my perspective shifts, I will explore how to keep dancing in a way that leads me to the the heart of writing.
Eliza, your eloquent post brought tears to my eyes. Your passion for dance and your description of how the dance brings the spiritual, physical and mental aspects of you together moved me deeply. May your transition continue in peace and clarity.
Your writing during Spoleto, I found most lyrical which could quite possibly be related to your passion for and experience as a dancer. It was all most engaging, so carry on. I imagine your being successful at any venture you explore.
Looking forward to your next series.
I’m not convinced brain and body are such different entities. My best thinking often comes when I’m in motion (for me it’s swimming or on a bike). Your gift for articulation, whether through physical grace or written expression, is all a part of the same talent/desire for connection, and you do both beautifully. So, Brett, play ball!!
your bff (biggest favre fan),
Steph
Your soulful, technically assured movement is surely missed… this new adaptation, however, is most interesting and filled with possibilities. Dancing from the inside as always!
Eliza, As the great F.M. Alexander said: Mind, Body, Spirit…. all one. You have exhibited that triumvir beautifully, shared deeply with us. You will be missed greatly on the stage. But I choose to look forward. I too have stepped in and out of that retirement river; the pull is strong to return, to do and speak that voice. You have powerful talents and I have no doubt your beauty and voice will continue to speak to us, guiding and tantalizing – just in different formats. I look forward to the journey and will always embrace and hold dear our past.
I’m deeply moved by your writing–the wisdom and grace of it–the ability to use words to convey what dancing means to you. I’m reminded of what Martha Graham said about dancing, that she taught her dancers to dance from their souls. I think that’s what you’re talking about–in dancing and writing.
Eliza,
You write as beautifully as you dance, and you have given those who don’t dance a better understanding not only of what it means to you, but what it can do for all who love this art form. I have no doubt that your second act of writing will be as creative and as excellent as that of your dancing first act, which was, and still is, so spectacular! Your Dad and I will be inspired and impressed with all you do whether it is on a stage or off. You are terrific!