Innovation: An Expression of Ambassadorship

By Natica Angilly

Increasing the capacity for expression is a continuing mission of the arts and especially the art of poetic dance. (the fusion of poetry together with dance) Poetic messages are transmitted by the very subtle as well as the grand gesture. A spiral movement may suggest new beginnings or continuing a process, the diagonal path of the dancer from upstage right to downstage creates an "heroic to human" quality because of the impersonal imposing powers of the far figure at the back of the stage transforming into the friendly persona acquired by coming closer to the audience, giving the dancer/actor/poet the more friendly relationship to the audience.

Creating an innovative performance demonstrates the range of the poet's expression as well as the dance creation made to partner the piece. Readings presented by the poets as well as the works that are brought to the visual medium of dance becomes an enterprise of innovation and expression.

Our annual worldwide search for poetry allows us to direct our dance in new and innovative ways. The search is now underway for poetry to be read as well as poetry that may inspire dance. The request for poets to examine, re-examine and create works for collaboration, presentation and reading at the Dancing Poetry Festival is much encouraged, requested and appreciated. Any poem with subject that may allow an audience to broaden understanding of life situations, bring joy, inspire, highlight a point of view, have personal impact, be lyrical, beautiful and poetic is much sought after.

Collaboration of poetry and dance together can help to create a new ambassadorship for world events because of the communicative powers and empathy made possible though the artistic works. An opportunity to share significant experiences, impart sympathetic feelings, make a strong impression; refresh the atmosphere; give an unforgettable visual image, are all esthetic and creative ways of sharing depth and lightness of feelings in contribution to the human experience. Differences and similarities gain appreciation and celebration. Thoughts to enhance our range of facial expressions are recalled. Unforgettable phrases that help us "turn our lights on" and give us the chance to become one with the poetic thought can be practiced. Great lines are selected and remembered as "Let us gasp in rapture" from the poem by Lucille Lang Day's award winning poem, "In praise of the Jellyfish" and or "Dancing the joy of creation, dancing in the mystery of life" by Richard Angilly, and "a far rare cadence in the poets mind" from the poem "Legend" by poet laureate Mary Rudge, might help direct the expressive powers in the face of the dancer. Searching for lines that elicit lyrical facial practices and nuance are great for real life as well as dance performance and become an authentic vehicle for greater capacity for communication and out reach of spirit. Accessing intended communication is continually practiced with a spectrum of archetypal facial expressions that we all think we impart naturally but may benefit from a closer look. Learning to connect with our own authentic feelings and have them reflect with clarity may be more important to our own personal happiness and well being. "Facial Expressions for Dancers", defines many choices of characterizations especially for dancers to work with for immediate rapport and communion with the audience. The heroic, Joan of Arc face or persona on a epic mission is always well created in class and verified with a small hand mirror. Isolation of the facial expression is made easy with movements and phrases that end in a "freeze" so that the face can be examined for the need of possible changes in approach.

Authentic welcoming is wonderful and ambassadorial skill. Artists, poets, dancers, and all people of good will have been known to invite opportunity for more friendship. Positive energy though heartfelt artistic endeavors, exchanges and expressions has contributed to gaining and increasing appreciation; helped to open boundaries, created successful cultural exchanges, and has even been known to light the pathway to love. Each of us shares the opportunity to broaden our own appreciation for each other and our creative abilities. With these practices we can all become our own local, national and international ambassadors. We may open our new eyes to see and express ourselves as significant energy sources in the life of all cultural sharing.

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