(31 Dec 2020 crossing into 1 Jan 2021)
Susana Robledo shared the following words in “Flamenco at 5:15,” with her students:
On position:
“Stand still and feel the earth’s support coming through your legs even if you don’t dance.”
On finger work:
“Reach out as if to take something, and then give it back.”
On dancing solo:
“Have the courage to dance alone.”
Two words that sum up 2020 for me are “mutation” and “isolation,” courtesy of Covid-19.
The virus’ ability to mutate in order to thrive shows that to transform, to morph, to shape-shift and to change is really part of the circle of life.
As a planning species, we think we can dictate what to change and what to keep. But Nature doesn’t discriminate.
Covid-19’s medical protocols also change my understanding of isolation.
While fretting over the inconveniences, financial & time losses brought on by quarantine requirements & stay home notices, we’re also forced to confront the reality that in matters of life & death, we’re naturally on our own.
And that no matter how loved, how popular and how powerful we think we are, no one can take the swap test on our behalf.
Perhaps if we try to dance through change and isolation, instead of staying frozen by fear, we might be able to weave a path through obstacles that lie in wait for us, like the way gypsies & displaced people stamp and twirl off all that dust.
Incidentally as I was wrapping up this post, I learnt that Susan Robledo passed away at 93 years old on 1 January 2010.
May the wisdom of all who have gone before us and lessons learnt in 2020, guide our steps through 2021 and beyond.
Happy New Year! 🙏
Lisa Ong 