“Flamenca Blanca”
To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power; it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking. –Agnes De Mille
My friend Cy sent this amazing postcard a few weeks ago. She found this beauty in Madrid during her travels there. I fell in love with it. The lone woman dancing reminded me of my favorite part of Louis Delsarte’s mural “Spirit of Harlem.”
“Spirit of Harlem” [I was fortunate enough to be in residency at NYU the same time as the artist. Weeks after its unveiling, the whole group of “Scholars-in-Residence” took a trip to Harlem to see the mural].
I’m intrigued by these women who sway their hips without apology and dance solo in spaces obviously peopled by many. It seems the musicians—equally surrendered to their muses—play only for each woman.
I don’t have their gift. As part of the “rhythmless nation,” I’m not sure I will ever dance in public.
But—
I have been reaching for a metaphorical moment like this—of pure freedom—of yielding completely to the rhythms of life without fretting over consequences–“what ifs” or “therefores.”
I’m tuning in and working on my sway.
Pics and Posts 
I can’t dance (I guess I’m part of your nation, Chadra Lynn), but I like the pics 🙂
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Welcome to the nation! LOL!
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If you ever get the chance to see flamenco dancing in person, by all means, make sure you do. It is some of the most amazingly passionate, yet precise dancing I have ever witnessed.
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There is so much passion in her face that I believe you! Seeing it in person is definitely something to keep in mind.
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Each of us has their own special talent(s). Yours are your faith – and your photography. Yes, faith is an artform – particularly when it is not artificial.
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Wow. That is such a compliment. Thank you.
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You bring JOY and LIGHT to the world. A grand talent indeed. (Among many others!)
My Dad loves Flamenco music. The guitar. He plays, and he admires the talents of the greats in that style. PASSION. Losing your self to the moment, the music, the creation… admirable 🙂
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Oh, you’re too, too kind to me, Sheila! Yes!!! I think I should listen to some flamenco music TODAY!!!
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I love this post! I so agree. I love that penultimate paragraph too – so well put! It reminds me to ‘dance’ more in life whether literally or metaphorically. Thanks for sharing!
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Oh thank you for loving this!!! And yes, we need to dance more–both ways!
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I used to live in Madrid. Such a lively city. I had a very happy year there. 🙂
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I’ve never been, but it’s on the list. I know I’ll love all the architecture.
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“I’m tuning in and working on my sway.” Brava! Such a great phrase, and an admirable resolution. I need to adopt this.
Also- I love the illustrations. That postcard is worth framing.
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Thank you! And yes, I so agree about the postcard. It sits in “my happy place.” Her fierce passion inspires me! I’ve placed it inside a plastic sleeve, so it doesn’t collect dust, but you’re right. She deserves framing.
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I’m packing my camera and heading to North Carolina in the morning. I can’t wait to check out the murals, and other beautiful green environment I hear people talking about . This will be an adventurous weekend.
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What part of NC are you heading to? We haven’t taken any trips since the pandemic began. :-(.
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