So much more than just dancing….
By Piyali Somaia On August 7th, 2016
Image Source: www.ctvnews.ca – Performers dance during the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Aug. 5, 2016. (AP / Lee Jin-man)
On Saturday morning I sat with my 6 year old daughter as we intently watched the Rio Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. It was a beautiful moment for my daughter and I, because we shared how on the other side of the world countries were uniting in happiness and peace despite all the negativity and intolerance we so hear about, even on our home soil. We saw that in the Olympic Arena, all competitors were equal. It gave me an opportunity to explain to her that it doesn’t matter where you are from or what you believe in, we all have something great in common. As a child she already knew that.
In the ceremony, aside from the incredible music, dance and history, there was also an emphasis raising awareness of the effects of global warming and a formal welcome to the refugee team (and all refugees)! I was thrilled that this platform was used to put a much needed spotlight on these pressing issues. And again, it gave me an opportunity to explain these subjects to my daughter.
It made me think that if sport can have such a profound effect on uniting humanity, bringing positive change into our global community and reminding us of our human spirit then of course, so can dance. The parallels are infinite.
In sport all competitors are equal and it is only their training, mental strength and performance on the day which will set them apart. In dance, on stage, all dancers are equal and it is their passion, emotions, training and performance on the day which will do the same.
Religion, colour, background, preferences, lifestyle and political beliefs do not come into play to participate in sport and dance. And to enjoy watching the skills of dancers and athletes, you do not need to have any formal qualifications. Everyone is free to do so.
On top of that, dance speaks a universal language – one that you can see and feel. As does sport. It creates joy, empathy and comradery. All very useful feelings which can be used to break down barriers.
It’s absolutely true that the world has many challenges and issues that need to be addressed. And it is so encouraging to see this happening through the fields of sport and arts. Like in the Olympics and other sport, in dance also, there are already so many inspirational organisations such as “Dance for Change”, “DanceAid” and “Dancing for Charity” which use dance as a platform to raise awareness and money for social causes. In Melbourne as well as around the world, charity organisations use dance as a way to raise much needed funds. Sapphire Dance is lucky to have taken part in some of these events.
How lucky as dancers we are to be able speak through this powerful dialogue that can transcend cultures and differences and strip us all down to one. How beautiful this world would be if all sportsmen and artists alike decided to use this power to create joy as well as bring positive change into our community.
