Recite the following quote from Martha Graham:
There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. (from "Dance to The Piper" by Agnes DeMille)
Dedicate your imagination as a dance and feeling space. Thank God or all that is (or whatever suits you) for the music you are about hear and for what shall come forth.
Listen to a sequence of music selections involving different rhythms, etc. that bring forth different aspects of your soul or being (or whatever you choose to call it). For example:
| flowing, feminine | "Watermark" (Enya) |
| driving, masculine | "Green Onions" (Booker T & The M.G.'s) |
| chaotic | "Lambada" (Kaoma) |
| lyrical | "In the Garden" (Bob James) |
| still | "Song for Lea" (Herbie Mann) |
The music could be selected by yourself or by someone else. It doesn't really matter as long as you are willing to let it move you.
The rhythms chosen above are much influenced by Gabrielle Roth's "Wave" dance meditation and her five rhythms. Likely someone else will have a different sense of rhythms and choose different selections.
As you listen, as best you can, notice the urges that come forth as they come forth. If urges to move become strong and clear, begin to dance in your imagination in whatever manner suits you, keeping the movements quite small if you can.
Recite the quote (again).
When you have finished go forth, perhaps embodying these thoughts:
Who knows what will come from this? Perhaps a closer connection to music, movement and your life. Perhaps there is magic here.
© Copyright 2002 George Woolley
to home page of Dance Magic Review