Written by Abigail Paige, Edited by Gaina Davila
Leaving comfort and security behind to live in the unknown is intimidating for most. Since the impressionable age of 15, I’ve moved across the country multiple times to pursue my life’s calling: dance. Selling our house and leaving everything and everyone we knew behind was just the beginning of what has been a faith-filled, passionate adventure. I’ve worked in the arts industry for the majority of my life, honing my craft in all seasons-- in the good and the bad. You see, I’m no stranger to uncertain circumstances. A degree of uncertainty is part and parcel of my art.
Every dancer's hope is that our audience would feel the emotions we feel and, if just for a moment, forget the troubles of the outside world.
In challenging times, dance is an otherworldly practice, training to perform surreal, perplexing feats while expressing complex, raw emotions using only our movements. One of my favorite teachers would often tell us that our audience came not to be reminded of their troubles, but to forget them. Every dancer's hope is that our audience would feel the emotions we feel and, if just for a moment, forget the troubles of the outside world.
As we face this global shutdown, dancers around the world are finding new ways to keep our art alive. One of the most beautiful things about the arts, and something that I think makes them so appealing to turn to in this confined, prolonged state of waiting is that they remain constant and accessible. Dance, in particular, is awe-inspiring because it requires only one essential – a willing body. Even the music you are moving to can be imagined; as long as you are there, dance is there. It is a universal language.
Like dance, uncertain times call for one essential – a willing mind.
Like dance, uncertain times call for one essential– a willing mind. Through years of trials and rocky times, through tears and laughter, I’ve learned that knowing how everything is going to play out isn’t how we’re called to live. Even when we take scary steps of faith, things don’t always end up the way we expect them to. And, that’s okay. I’m not suggesting that this season we’re walking through is easy. It’s not. But, I know that it’s possible to thrive even in the most challenging times, even on the edge of uncertainty if we are willing.
Are you willing?