I almost titled this post “Flip Flop” because I cahnged my mind about my subject at the last minute. Today was a dichotomy. At once I was connected to both my past and my present vocations as I came out of retirement from Dance to dance Flamenco at a Seniors meeting at Congregation Mishkin Isreal and display some of my beadwork (for sale). Both were huge successes with my mostly female audience. In any case, it occured to me that all of posts up to know were either about fine art or about jewelry and beadweaving. I had not yet touched upon music or dance and both of those were very major parts of my life at one time – especially Dance.

As much as I loved Ballet, over the years I became even more fascinated and moved by the music and dance of Flamenco so that, towards the end of my time as a Dancer I took up that art and immersed myself in its glorious passion. I even took Flamenco classes while in graduate school (for Astrophysics no less).

Flamenco is an interesting style (or, really, set of styles) with influences from the Jews of Spain and the Middle East, Gypsies from India, Muslims, even hints of Greek and North African cultures, and, of course, the native Andalucians of southern Spain. It had its beginnings in the distant past, even before the Inquisition though it was that unfortunate descent into dark times of hate that propelled the style into popularity. It is the music of people who were persecuted, who had to hide and who were not content to merely disappear. It is music that has strength and passion and makes me want to dance every time I hear it.

It is one of the many inspirations that influence my work.

Are you passionate about something special in your life? Does it influence what you do? I invite you to relate what makes you go, “Wow, fabulous!” in your life.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 at 5:45 PM and is filed under Contemplation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.