Falling so I can Fly

March 5, 2008

As I currently see it. There are two basic ways to fall.

1: with resistance

I can edge part of my weight away from center, while simultaneously holding an almost equal amount back. This suspends me at the very edge of my control, negotiating with the possibility of tipping completely into freefall without admitting the necessity of surrendering to it. I flirt with the idea of falling, but until the very last second, when my weight tips just enough, the reality of the situation is in question. Holding back is just as viable an option as releasing forwards.

The drama here lies in the question. Will I or won’t I?

2: with abandon

I can plunge forward with no resistance. In an instant the decision is made and gravity takes over. The only choice now is how I will deal with the forces suddenly working on my body; I can brace for a crash or absorb, rebound, and land on my feet.

The drama here lies in the answer. I will and then…

Resistance/Abandon

A simple dichotomy with a number of analogues:

dance
creative process
anger
love
life
et. al.

(nb: thanks to brigham for the title, and thanks to someone else for the inspiration for this post)

2 Responses to “Falling so I can Fly”

  1. Throw yourself at the ground and miss.

  2. DA said

    Have you ever heard “Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten” by Arvo Part? It would be wonderful as a musical piece to set a dance about falling.

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