Perhaps it’s part of my internal makeup.
After all, if you take a peek in my baby book, you’ll see that the first word I ever uttered was not the typical, “dog” or “hi” that most children start out with.
It was pretty.
When it comes to dance these days, pretty seems to take a back seat to “interesting” or “thought-provoking”. It’s as if somehow pretty isn’t as valid or as desirable. While I can appreciate the need for dance to grow and evolve–I have to stop and ask–what’s wrong with pretty? Can’t something be visually pleasing while making one think or feel? Surely these two things can’t be mutually exclusive.
For me, there’s enough in this world that is ugly, disturbing or jolting (although I do admit to having a secret fascination with butoh, but perhaps that is because I lived in Japan?). The holiday season seemed to bring this issue to a head for me.
With people going to see The Nutcracker for the 50th time, I take a little bit of comfort in the idea that tradition and beauty are not yet completely dead and gone. Give me the magic of the snow scene and Sugar Plum fairy every time. I’ll take it.
Maybe I don’t like reality. Perhaps I prefer daydreaming, and I want to see a perfect world where everything has order and form.
But I don’t think so.
I just don’t necessarily think that different means good. (And, for the record, I don’t believe that “pretty” has to be in the form of a tutu and pink tights.)
What do you think?
Interesting post. I think I agree with you… It seems like things are often celebrated simply for being weird or uncommon. I like “pretty” too! 🙂 (Going to post a link to this on my Facebook page!)
Thanks for the link! Glad to hear there is someone else out there who thinks along the same lines!
Love your post! There is room for it all. Sometimes I am in the mood for pizza, sometimes meatloaf and sometimes chocolate – ok most of the time chocolate. My point is pretty has a place along side angst, abstract and thought provoking. Sometimes pretty makes me smile. Sometimes it makes me feel a connection to my childhood dreams and sometimes it makes my eyes happy. I think pretty can also be thought provoking by the way and profound. Dance is about connecting – to ourselves, the audience, to each other. Pretty is a great way to do just that!
Great analogy Stacey! I think you are right on it too! I agree–I do like other things as well–just get upset sometimes that beautiful isn’t somehow considered valid. Wonderful comment!
I agree! We do not plant a flower garden for deep thought. We plant it to enjoy its beauty. It is OK to enjoy art – including the art of dance – for the pure beauty of it as well.
Well said Tracy! I love the way you put that! 🙂