In a world torn by political, ethnic and religious conflict, only art has the power to unify, inspire, elevate, and heal. Our institutions make claims on our attitudes and loyalty; it is intrinsic in their nature to direct our energies towards fulfilling their collective goals. They are self-perpetuating. By limiting our perspective, they often divide us from each other. At the extreme, they may even split us from our deepest and most authentic selves. Though serving in many cases, a positive purpose, institutions are agenda-driven. Thus they may steer us away from self-knowledge and personal responsibility when emphasis on image, hierarchy, dogma or power, overrides more constructive human concerns.

Art, on the other hand, both the making and the viewing of it, encourages us to view the world in new ways, as well as to look into ourselves. A world without art would be intellectually and spiritually barren. Imagination makes all things possible, and art is the most profound outgrowth of the human imagination that is not subservient to external purposes (though of course, there are exceptions). Therefore, even in its all its confusing flux and diversity, art is perhaps the “purest” phenomenon among human endeavors.

On a personal level, the richness and mystery of life have intrigued me since I was a child living in rural Pennsylvania. I reveled in the sensuous beauty of forests and rolling hills. Read the rest of this entry »

Etiquette for guests are important. A formal affair is when this is of dire importance. However, with a causal party or event there are still some information a person needs to know. With every style of party, an individual needs to be on their best behavior so each guest can have a fun and amusing time. The host has various parts of the event to worry about. An unruly guest should not concern the other guests or host. There are simple measures a person can take to have fun and enjoy the surroundings. Almost every person has been taught some form of etiquette for different styles of events. There are simple procedures that a person can take to enjoy themselves and still be on their best behavior.

Invitations are sent out a few weeks in advance. It is polite to acknowledge these invites. Call the host or write a letter explaining if you can make the event or if you cannot. When the host is expecting a certain amount of people and half of those individuals do not show, time, food and entertainment is wasted. Let the host know as soon as possible if the individual is planning to attend. When the person calls and tells the host they will make it, ask if they can do anything for the event. It is helpful to the party if guests make a contribution. Most of the time the host will tell an individual everything is taken care of, however if something is needed be sure to accomplish this. Read the rest of this entry »

What makes the difference between a dancer who has the audience going wild with enthusiasm over her show versus one who is barely able to hold their interest? Of course, there are many factors that can influence this, such as dance skill, but one that many dancers don’t think about is the one that comes within them: what their motive is for the performance and what they’re really trying to accomplish when they step out on stage.

Art is meant to disturb. Science is meant to reassure. – Georges Braque, Pensées Sur L’Art

What is your primary motive when you walk on stage to present an Oriental dance performance in front of an audience? Is it to deliver an artistic presentation, provide entertainment, or satisfy your own personal agenda?

Why Dancers Perform in Public

There is a difference between dancers who aspire to perform in public and those who don’t. Dancers who want to perform may do so because: Read the rest of this entry »