Mind in Motion - Leap of Faith

Leap of Faith

Larry Goldfarb February 29, 2024
16 Comments
Mind in Motion - Leap of faith

The only way to make sense out of change
 is to plunge into it, move with it,
and join the dance.
― Alan Watts

Before becoming a famous choreographer, when he and other black dancers were barred from ballet companies, Louis Johnson made a stunningly soulful short film. The first part showcases a joyous troupe of African American dancers performing on a New York rooftop; the second section is a more experimental film that superimposes evocative images on Johnson’s expressive solo. 

A recent New York Times article includes the newly digitally restored six-minute 1959 motion picture. I invite you to celebrate Leap Day 2024 by watching this captivating cinematographic masterpiece and contemplating how far we’ve come and have yet to go. 

Why not take it further by playing your favorite dance tune, tripping the light fantastic, and preparing yourself for whatever leap of faith awaits you?

The photographer j_nnesk_sser took the picture at the top of today’s post; I found it on pixabay.com.


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Responses

  3. valerie-wycoff February 29, 2024

    Wow – Larry – Thanks for sharing this clip, and for your question and your invitation to contemplate “how far we’ve come and have yet to go.” I’m moved. Moved past my own challenges ups and downs to think more systemically and globally.
    I note the heat, the height, the intensity, especially in the second clip. There’s plenty of heat! And plenty of need to hear one another’s pain before we can get on the happy train!
    Coming to a point of choice about how we relate to one another (and self), when the stakes are high, and when the heat is on, is key. Letting go of automaticity and judgement, and having the important conversations. For me, those are about living justly, restoring dignity (mana we say here in Aotearoa), and living sustainably.

    1. Larry Goldfarb March 1, 2024

      Great to hear from you, Valerie!
      I’m glad you appreciated Louis Johnson’s amazing film and my invitation to contemplate.
      Thank you for haring your thoughs about letting go of judgement and having important conversations.

  4. Aliza Stewart February 29, 2024

    Beautiful and moving. Thank you.
    As for taking a leap of faith – one needs a secure spot on the ground in order to leap. In these times, and in many other times, especially for our black fellow citizens, there is no such spot. We are already in the air, afraid to fall.

    1. Larry Goldfarb March 1, 2024

      Yes, Aliza, thank you for the reminder that taking a leap – of any kind – requires a solid, secure place from which to take off. Perhaps we can take a page out of Louis Johnson’s book and how he found his jumping of place in the community of artists with whom he worked and collaborated? Even if the world around is hostile and dangerous, we need community for grounding and support.