I went through a friend’s facebook photo album this afternoon. There were about 200 photos of her, me, and people we both know. For three years of our lives we danced in the same company, lived in the same city and sometimes shared the same room on tour.
Things are so different now for each of us. Sheʼs still living in Mexico City, her home, where her family lives and where she grew up. She still works in concert dance when she can, but makes the most money dancing in commercial events and as a producer. I havenʼt performed in years. I took time off because I thought I needed to go to graduate school and find where my other interests in life lie. I stopped performing because I just needed a break from touring all the time. A suitcase can only hold so many things.
When did the transition happen? How do you balance life as an artist through the regular pressures of life? Can you find stability (if thatʼs what you call it) as well as finding the time to create/participate in good, interesting, valuable dance works? Is it possible? I hope so.
A number of my peers are going through similar transitions. Many are either having children or have them already. I know of others who are in relationships that did not support them artistically, but support them in other ways and have since stopped dancing. Is this all just a matter of maturity? Am I going through more growing pains at the age of 34?
Where do the intersections of a healthy, happy life and art come and how are they smoothly weathered?
Here is the article by Maura Donohue “Mom” with Ellis Wood that inspired this post.
-Angela
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