Last week when I was in Melbourne I took the opportunity to wander through the city, eating dumplings in Chinatown, checking out some of the cool rooftop bars and ‘promenading’ along the riverfront. I felt relieved that my exhibition had started, the opening drinks had been a success and I was taking a breather. The evening was cool, but Melbournians were out in force, enjoying the atmosphere of spring renewal - the promise of summer.
We stopped to watch a band of longhaired young men, playing favourites for the crowd and the nearby bar patrons. Their attitude was nonchalant - in the groove - there to play, more than to please. The mood was infectious. My companion gestured with his hand and we started to dance. As we moved to the music, relishing the rhythm and the melody, I felt free of social convention, notions of propriety and rules for acceptable behaviour. I did not care what anyone else thought; I danced with abandon, expressing my essential self.
Suddenly others were dancing too! Our small act of courage led to a corporate expression of sensuality and joy at our shared humanity. Differences in age, social-standing and cultural background disappeared as together we united in the act of dancing. What a powerful moment!
I wonder now, how different the world would be if we still danced each night under the moon?
A new year and a new body of work… following a compass into to the unknown