I think it is safe to say that all of us have felt a bit powerless in the last six months. There is no shortage of reasons, a pandemic, lack of paychecks, horrifying racial realities, not so peaceful protests, the manifestation of a dozen plus weeks in isolation, the sense of being out of control is universal these days.
This piece, choreographed by Mia Michaels, is called “Addiction.” She broadens it to the oh so human experience of, “wanting something that is not good for you.” It could be a person. It could be a drink. It could be sweets, ruminating thoughts, social media – anything that hinders us from becoming the best version of ourselves.
The dance dramatically and accurately shows the cunning, baffling and powerful ways certain problems thwart our best efforts to overcome. She wrestles with “it” alone, again and again, without success. The answer is an awakening beyond her isolation. Breakthrough happens in connection.
We were never meant to do this all alone. The truth is we can’t.
Following the dance video is Bill Withers’ hymn of hope. I have been trying to visualize oppression being lifted to Lean on Me. Can you see it? What would the movement look like that demonstrates surrender, the sharing of a burden, the interdependence of humans, the protection of community. Any choreographers in the house?
Recover we 