Asking for what we need can be an intriguing exercise. Depending on your upbringing, requesting something from someone can be easy, or not. For me, it’s much easier to offer support–advice, a donation, a compliment, or a hug–than to ask for help.
Because of that challenge, I am going to do just that: Dancers’ Group needs you. If you are not already a member, please consider joining today. We rely on our members for resources that help fund and promote our programs and services–like this publication–and also to keep us informed of new opportunities, ideas, fresh trends in the dance field, and engage us with their perspectives and feedback. Become one of Dancers’ Group’s vital members. If you are a member, one of over 600, we are grateful for your wonderful and generous support.
Whether you were mailed this issue of In Dance as a member benefit, or you were able to pick up a free copy–over 1400 are distributed to studios, theaters and a variety of dance and non-dance businesses–we hope you will agree that reading about our diverse and growing community is important and worth sponsoring.
As we plan for our fall issue, please be sure to share your thoughts with us. Share story ideas. Let us know of people we should interview. Tell us what subjects you want covered.
Even with the pressures of making budget projections, or finding new members, I am sure you will agree that this time of year abounds with delights, experiences and new temptations that engage our senses, imaginations, and carnal desires. The summer months teem with the potential of re-remembering long-forgotten memories that filled our youth: barbecues, sprinting through a sprinkler on a hot day, being barefoot, collecting shells at the beach, camping, sharing funny stories, sleeping late, and learning new skills like how to build a fire, dance with a partner, swim, or make s’mores, or other yummy treats.
These experiences, past and present, will continue to influence and shape the way we navigate art-making and art-viewing. The sudden and surprising of discovery of how certain smells, images and ideas bring back a fun or fond recollection, is something that I look forward to.
Seeing our lives and art making practice as inextricably linked, reminds me of the amazing community work of Liz Lerman, whose new book, Hiking the Horizontal, is profiled by Julie Potter and is a must-read this summer. Looking for more reading? Then be sure to check out the recommendations from a host of dance artists, educator and critics. We are always eager to share how much dance activity takes place each month and this issue is no exception. In particular, community, partnership and discovery are themes that thrive within.
Thank you so much for being part of our community, and enjoy all the special moments of this season.
— Wayne Hazzard, Executive Director
This article appeared in the July/August 2011 issue of In Dance.
