Alembic at the Metro

“Art is not an end in itself. It is a medium in service of sacred understanding.”
–Rasa, Rene Daumal

This is how I started the  last post and it works well for yesterday’s performance at Eleanor Ambos’ Metropolitan Building. Six dancers of the Alembic last night included; Nisaa Christie, myself (Dunya), Jennifer Maeve, Kate Temple-West, Anita Teresa, and Anasma Vuong. We performed a 40 minute inward-facing Dancemeditation improvisation with brilliant percussionist Benno Klandt that was witnessed by friends, who then joined us in a movement period. Friendly Herbalist Kate Temple-West then had linden tea ready for all.

It was utterly beautiful to watch the various dancers emerge in an authetic fashion, and a pleasure to do myself as I felt no pressure except the ever-present challenges that meditation introduces. In reflection I could say that being witnessed always brings out the urge to please the viewer, thus take care of them, as well as a feeling that who I am is not enough. These are deeply held beliefs. They have softened over time but still come up. I strive for detachment from judgement – mine and the viewers’. I seek to be relaxed and engaged moment-to-moment.

Here are photos: