Just Dance!

I have always LOVED watching dance. I can get so emotional seeing the combination of talent, the beauty of the movement, the way music and dance combine to tell a story. 

But I didn't know what to think when yesterday's Creativity Boot Camp prompt was to dance. My first thought was "dance? Me? ...In an art class?" My second thought was "where can I do this unseen?" But I love the way Maegan Beishline put it...that this is about conditioning my creativity through different mediums, similar to the way a football player would take ballet to improve balance and coordination. So I danced. I went for it and it was fun! (And I have the photo to prove it)

I gave a lot of thought to the similarities between dance and photography. Both a form of art, just using a different tool to create with and express. With dance, the music moves you - physically and emotionally. You can't help but move to the beat, and fully letting go, your body takes charge with your mind following. For me, it is the same with photography, but instead of music, beauty is what moves me. I see something beautiful or intriguing and respond by reaching for my camera. Like dance, I try to just feel it. Let my heart take in the music and have my camera do the dancing.

"Do one thing every day that frightens you." -Eleanor Roosevelt

"We can't become what we need to be by remaining who we are." -Oprah Winfrey

To me, these quotes go hand in hand and I love the idea of pushing myself creatively. When I think about the accomplishments and aspects of my life I am most proud of, they all involve some initial level of discomfort, challenge or fear. Applying for college, a first date, my first paid photography job, public speaking, etc. So I am embracing these challenges, even especially the ones outside my comfort zone to grow, learn, and become what I need to be. Even if it means making a fool of myself dancing alone for all the neighbors to see.