Every so often, a few years or more ago, i mentioned elephants in this blog ( i went to Tsavo, Kenya to visit Mark and Vicky and see their camp in the bush and new home ) and i have interviewed my brother Mark as the first person on our 'Passing on Passmore' podcasts...
so i return to that theme in a personal way.
My sister-in-law Vicky died on Sunday night and leaves an extraordinary legacy.
I followed her career, obviously, but as with many busy successful people, i'm not sure she followed mine!
However many years ago now, about twenty or so i think, she and my brother did come to see one of our shows at the Acorn theatre and she said one of the nicest things ever in the interval.
I passed her and she said she was enjoying it and as she was always forthright she asked,
" Which dancers have disabilities?"
i said, "can't you see?"
"no" she said
"great," i said "thats how it should be" and "i'm not telling you, as they are all really good."
We carry on making art, trying to aspire to access and equity, listening, changing, developing ,holding fast to our ethos but also challenging ourselves, society, community, it's an ongoing dynamic, not static, we like to dance, move respond, 'in'joy, to dance through this life in companionship, in art.
I have a note in my diary to make sure i post Ellen's blog link.
Thank you Ellen.
"The above image shows a collage I made during the art studio session at Krowji. It explores the critical foundations for improvisation, as explained by Jo Willis, through Structure (the room, the music, the opportunity), Freedom (the space to create), and Intent (that artists make only purposeful movement)."
Do read it...
*
I think it echoes well what Vicky's comment pointed to, we are here for a good experience for everyone, not just one section of society/community, we are all of value, all need support, opportunity. By putting those people who might need more support at the centre, heart of it all, we radiate support for everyone, and we share our gifts, and enable everyone to give, to be seen. Shallal is just an option, it doesn't suit everyone, but those who stay feel it.
***
*The end of Ellen's blog
What have I taken away with me?
Individuals hold endless potential, there just needs to be a space in which to access this.
Providing structure and a framework for creativity that allows for freedom and expression can enable beautiful, cohesive art without limiting artists through demands for long-term focus, memory, energy, repetition, and movement that entangle ableist ideas of what art is.
Establishing positive reinforcement for creativity through listening and, critically, acting on feedback and suggestions that allow for the artists or community members to lead their own practice.
Bridging practice, including around socio-political and cultural conversations, to individual interests and potentials enables equitable engagement and community involvement that actively envelopes and celebrates diversity.
