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:
Larry Goldfarb -March 01, 2024
Much appreciated, Sibyl!
Larry Goldfarb -March 01, 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.
Larry Goldfarb -March 01, 2024
Thanks for letting me, Moira! Keep on dancing!
Sibyl Kneihs-Urbancic -March 01, 2024
Thank you. Love it. Sibyl
Aliza Stewart -March 01, 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.
Manuela Scheu -March 01, 2024
what a great dance thank you for sharing
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.
Larry Goldfarb -March 01, 2024
Thanks neighbor! Glad you liked today's post!
Larry Goldfarb -March 01, 2024
Thank you, Bruni! I'm so glad that you found the film inspiring, too!
Moira Bayne -March 01, 2024
What an inspiring post Larry! Love it!!!
jutta Brettschneider -March 06, 2024
Dear Larry, thank you so much for sharing this movie. How far we come and so much more to do...
CarolHewitt -March 01, 2024
Just paused my leaping to say Thank You! for today’s post .. and 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏼
bruni.castejon@yahoo.es -March 01, 2024
Wowow! I love it Such spirit ! Such an artist! Thank you so much for sharing
Larry Goldfarb -March 01, 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.
Larry Goldfarb -March 12, 2024
Thanks, Jutta! You're so right: we have come a long way and there is a lot more to do!
Larry Goldfarb -March 01, 2024
Isn't it?! Thank you!
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