“It’s freedom within the bounds of freedom. It’s anarchy, and it’s the beginning. ”
Melina, a modern dancer.
“It’s psychotherapy, it’s an expression”
Evelina, modern dancer.
It is very interesting that there is no clear definition for dance. Every dancer perceives it differently, but all of them have a common basis: expression, freedom, love for art, passion. When the body moves, “following the music” and time stops, when the little things of everyday life no longer matter; when you focus on your body and soul, then you dance.
For this magical idea, for this unique experience, World Dance Day was established on April 29 by the UNESCO International Council. This day is the date of birth of the French choreographer, dancer and writer Jean-Georges Nover (1727-1810), who was a teacher and creator of classical ballet and modern dance.
But I think this day is not just for professionals and amateur dancers, it’s for everyone. We all have in us the passion, which is expressed through the body, having music as a background to the melody. Martha Graham* said that “Great dancers are not great because of their technique, but because of their passion.” How much truth is hidden in this phrase, since this passion is the driving force. She is the one who creates choreographies, which with one movement can take us to another dimension, a more ecstatic one. Dancing doesn’t want shame. It doesn’t want you to shut up and be afraid to expose your body. Our body is unique and beautifies when it dances, expresses and speaks through its own language.
Dancing is a tradition, it is an experience: “in the beginning is the movement”. In ancient Greece, Egypt and so many other ancient civilizations, dance has a place of honor. Sometimes as a muse (Terpsichore), sometimes in murals, theaters and mysteries. Dance elevates the spirit, liberates the human, calms the soul. It comforts us from the losses, frustrations and wear and tear of everyday life. The dance has no spatial restrictions. It is not limited to the room, the ballroom, the stage. It’s everywhere. We can dance everywhere, without rules and hesitations. Just ourselves, our body and the music.
Do not hesitate to dance, the benefits are many. For me, when art met the body, dance was born and since then my soul has been liberated. So let go of the shame, live this unique experience, the passion through the pleasure of movement.
So what do you say, shall we dance?
*Martha Graham (May 11, 1894 – April 1, 1991) was an American modern dancer and choreographer. She is considered a pioneer in modern dance. She reshaped modern ballet while her style and technique are still taught today.
Translation: Kleio Antonaki
Review: Niki Saridaki