I don't watch a lot of television...it often feel as though it could rot my brain :? One exception is the American series of "So you think you can dance" ...and of course I earn bonus points for watching it with Jo, my lovely wife. I have to put that bit in in case she ever reads these blog entries.
My appreciation of this programme may have to do with my mother. She was a classically trained ballet dancer. She danced with the Dutch Dance Academy in Rotterdam and was taught by Corrie Hartong. Mom corresponded until the grand old Lady died in 1991. Moe also went to study contemporary dance in New York at the Julliard School of Performing Arts where she worked under such legendary names as Merce Cunningham, Martha Graham and José Limón.
This was all before I was born but growing up on the West Coast of South Africa my brothers and I were always surrounded by lots of young ladies in leotards as Mom always felt an overwhelming urge to teach.
Clive, Guy and I obviously survived this early surfeit of nubile female forms and no doubt befitted immensely from this early exposure. Certainly, not one of us was ever allowed the escape of being shy with girls.
I can't speak for my brothers but these early experiences, including annual film fests of the best in contemporary dance (courtesy of the American Embassies Cultural Services Department)has left me with an abiding love of dance.
This is somewhat ironic, especially to my mother and my wife, both of whom swear that I can't dance....but it's more a matter of not wanting to spread my talents too thin. I mean, how much can one mortal man do ;-)
Anyway...to get to the point. Here's a link to a dance duet on youtube. This is a contemporary routine choreographed by Travis Wall, winner of one of the previous seasons. This is Jeanine & Jason. She, quite deservedly went on to win this years competition.
I just find this sort of thing, quite literally, divine.
It's been a while since I've had anything to write here...no, that's not right! I've got loads I want to write about. The last 6 months have been a remarkable time. To be honest I'm still a bit wobbly after all the excitement. I'll start putting my thoughts in order in the next few days and get some more post on-line.
namaste all,
ford
