thinking outside my head

I am reminded again about the need for a place/facility that encompasses artistic expression & enrichment in conjunction with a cooperative living space.  Too many acquaintances are struggling with difficulties finding one or the other or both.  Contemplating how I can make this idea a reality.  It may seem far-fetched but the idea keeps resurfacing in my mind and I can’t ignore it.

By definition community is unity, kinship, cooperation, convergence, similarity, neighborhood, village, commune.

Some words that also apply to this idea: association, understanding, connection, empathy, sharing the load

basic needs: food, shelter, self-expression, nature/natural living, openness, honesty, truth

Address the need for a venue/work space for artistic expression – space to work

Address the need for housing for artists – i.e. visiting artists and struggling artists

(These two entities may need to exist separately for various reasons)

Address the need for teaching opportunities – dance, art, aerial, photography, music

Address the need for enrichment for children – freedom of expression for kids

Create jobs, classes, support system for artists

There are so many questions to consider and that is why I need input from others. I know this sounds like a good idea but is it feasible?

Places with similar artistic atmosphere:

Arts 5th Ave

Hip Pocket Theatre

Community Arts Centers

Summer Camps?

Are there places like this in existence? Models to follow? Some of the following examples may be taking it further than is necessary and I couldn’t find any listing with artistic focus.

resource site: http://www.ic.org/

http://directory.ic.org/records/cohousing.php

http://directory.ic.org/intentional_communities_in_Texas

Just thoughts, for now.

I have been contemplating my involvement in the dance world in recent weeks. It’s a combination of sadness that I am limited in my ability to perform and strong ambition to build my teaching skills. It’s not that I regret where my choices have led me, I just want more and feel that I have more to give.

Dealing with chronic pain is such an ambiguous dilemma. Yes, I could choose to dance through the pain and treat the symptoms. But it’s a gamble and a disrespectful position to be in when you have committed to someone that you will perform. And be at rehearsals. And still function in all the other capacities of life. Because in the end it really is up to me and only me. No one else can support me out on stage or in rehearsal. I don’t want to let anyone down, including myself. Anyway, that’s why I feel sad about dance.

The ambitious part of me is a little overwhelming at times. Do you ever feel like there is a part of you that isn’t really you? I have never been one to ask for things for myself. I feel that I am a strong person but not really a “go-getter.” I am more of a resource rather than a driving force. But there are times when I have this uncontrollable desire to promote myself and get what I want. I am talking about opportunities to teach dance on a regular basis and help students reach their potential. I know I can do that. I have proof. When I teach and explain to the dancers how to execute a certain step, they almost always have that “Oh, that works” moment.

I DO have experience in working hard. I DO have experience in trying to overcome injury. I DO have knowledge that students could benefit from hearing. I CAN give them the tools to move beyond their own limitations and reach their potential.

Teaching dance is about helping another person find their own way to express themselves. The parents are not the ones who come to class or stand in rehearsals or have to overcome their stage fright. When it comes down to it, it is all up to the student and what they can do for themselves. This is a vital lesson in dance (and life for that matter.)

But who is going to teach them this? From my perspective, their teachers aren’t teaching them this. Have they forgotten what it’s like to be a student? Perspective. How can you teach someone if you don’t understand where they’re coming from or where they’re going? Where is the depth?

So now I ask myself, do I want to continue working in an environment that has a limited perspective on the students? What’s your perspective?