“they were immune to foreign influence, and concentrated upon the sweetness and fire within themselves. One thing only did they demand from the outside world: a space of level ground to dance on.”(Out of Africa)
-Although, in this passage Isak Dinesen is talking about African dancers/performers who participate in a dance ritual called Ngomas, I immediately read it metaphorically. It became a sort of mantra…for us, as individuals, as unique, idiosyncratic artists to keep the mellifluousness of that sweet current running through us, regardless of outside influences who may swoop in and try to freeze it, is essential. You can’t demand or expect your parents, friends, and other people to grasp or fully understand the fire that burns within you— you can only keep on dancing and allowing your movements, twirls, and cadence to float into the expression of who you claim yourself to be. Concentrate on your sweetness and fire, because sometimes its the only thing that matters.
-Chila
CHILA Y LILA
