Jacob Sleeps in a Blanket of Snow
A very light dusting of snow is a wondrous natural occurrence.
Friday evening, I was in Becket, Massachusetts attending a very rare performance of 2 incredible dancers/choreographers: one from Burkina Faso, Africa. The other from the United States.
Due to the generosity of the Executive Director of Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, these two special guest dancers refined and created work in solitude for a week, then unveiled their work-in-progress to an small invited group of Pillow patrons.
We were treated to a performance where the two dancers moved with delicate synchronicity. Each motion complimented the aura of a stripped down Doris Duke Theater– technically moth-balled for the season.
Audience members of this special performance sat on folding chair. The negative space of the stark theater made the motion of the dancers, and the music they selected, reverberate throughout one’s soul. Magnificent dance has a way of touching one’s soul. I find artistic inspiration after experiencing world-class dance.
The magic of Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival is “The Pillow” is approachable. Not in terms of physical distance, yet from the standpoint of being able to interact with artists. After the performance, the Pillow’s Executive Director led a conversation with the dancers. After giving the dancers time to catch their breath and sip spring water, audience members joined the conversation. When the dialogue was over, we were privileged to mingle with the 2 gifted dancers/choreographers.
Try this at a Madonna concert. Would one be able to approach Barbara? I do not think so. The Jonas Brothers? They are SO yesterday. Little Wayne? Na na. Lady What’s-Her-Face who recently appeared in a dress made of raw meat? Keep your distance. I hear a fog horn belching, “Back away from the talent. Back away from the talent. The talent has left the building. Stand 1.8 miles away from the stage door.”
The Jacob’s Pillow facility was tucked into bed for winter. Yet, it opened for one winter’s night of dance. A fresh-fallen snow made me feel for the first time–winter truly arrived in New England. I felt proud to be a native New Englander.
For those who have never attend a live dance performance, it is a transformational, visual experience. I urge you to check the Arts and Entertainment section of your local newspaper, or search on-line when dance companies are performing in your local or metropolitan areas.
This was not your, “And Kick. And Kick” type of dance noted in a previous post. This was literature in motion. This dance had a language of its own.
Thank you to the “Pillow Family” for inviting me to an inspiring winter’s night of dance. From a distance, as I drove away on George Carter Road, I looked back into my automobile’s rear view mirror. I saw lights being turned off outside the theater where moments ago we were visually taken to an ethereal place, transfixed in a rare moment in time.
Slumber softly Jacob. You are wrapped in a comforting blanket of fresh fallen Berkshire snow. Sleep in peace. Slumber in silence.
Brendan Ben Feeney
February 25th, 2011 at 4:47 am
I really loved reading your blog. It was very well authored and easy to undertand. Unlike additional blogs I have read which are really not tht good. I also found your entries very interesting. In fact after reading, I had to go show it to my friend and she ejoyed it as well!
February 25th, 2011 at 9:10 am
It is really good post, but I do not see everything completely clear, especially for someone not involved in that topic. Anyway very interesting to me.
February 27th, 2011 at 8:32 pm
I’ve been meaning to read this and just never got a chance. Its an issue that Im really interested in. I just started reading and Im glad I did. You are a fantastic blogger and I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
March 2nd, 2011 at 5:09 am
Wow, thats a very helpful blog entry for me. I like your style of writing. Maybe you should write more articles of this type.
March 2nd, 2011 at 7:38 pm
BBF’s editor notes BBF is working on several dance-related posts. Stay tuned!
March 2nd, 2011 at 8:20 pm
Let me just tell you I really like your blog—–because it is so original ;:;-~*
March 2nd, 2011 at 11:57 pm
Your style is so unique compared to many other people. Thank you for publishing when you have the opportunity.
March 4th, 2011 at 8:15 am
Important information. I would like to share your blog with my father. It looks very awesome.
March 5th, 2011 at 1:49 am
Hello Thank you kindly on your informative response. My spouse and i appreciate your support and advice. I am honored to be corresponding with you.
BFF’s editor passes along this post to Kriss Kleese from BBF:
“I am pleased you and your spouse enjoy reading my blog. Next post will be this week. Stay tuned!” Best regards, Brendan Ben Feeney
March 6th, 2011 at 10:11 am
Most what I read online is trash & copyand paste—butyou offer something different. Keep it up.
March 6th, 2011 at 5:15 pm
I simply want to say your article is as amazing.The clearness in your post is spectacular. I assume you are an expert on this subject. With your permission please allow me to tap your feed to keep up-to-date with forthcoming post.Thanks a million and please carry on the enjoyable writing.
March 7th, 2011 at 12:41 am
This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!
March 9th, 2011 at 9:43 am
I was more than happy to search out this internet-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read.
March 9th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
Thank you. I have recently been searching for information about this topic for ages and yours is the best I have discovered so far.
March 9th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
Sorry that i am writing this here but I had difficulties with contacting you via given email.
YBBF’s editor notes: You may drop BBF a line at the address noted on the contact page of website.
March 19th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
Hi. A very great web site you have made. I enjoyed reading this posting. I did want to publish a comment to tell you that the design of this site is very aesthetically sweet.
March 21st, 2011 at 5:19 am
Hi, very great web site you have made. I enjoyed reading this posting. I did want to publish a comment to tell you that the design of this site is very aesthetically sweet.
March 25th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
I am definitely bookmarking it as well as sharing it with my friends
March 30th, 2011 at 4:41 am
Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this site. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s tough to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and visual appearance. I must say you’ve done a awesome job with this. In addition, the blog loads very quick for me on Opera. Exceptional Blog!
April 1st, 2011 at 2:49 am
I am linking this web page from my personal web page.
May 5th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
Hello! I just would like to give a huge thumbs up for the great information you’ve right here on this post. I shall be coming back to your weblog for extra soon.
May 17th, 2011 at 4:54 am
This is a really great content. I found your site from YAHOO. I seriously relished what you had to say. Keep up the very good job!
June 1st, 2011 at 7:24 pm
I appreciate you sharing this article post.Thanks Again. Want more.
July 6th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
I was looking over your site and suddenly have found this post. I thing it’s very useful information. Thanks for the post!
September 9th, 2011 at 6:45 am
I read a bunch of posts and this is the most interesting post I have read all week. Thanks for this!
September 29th, 2011 at 1:26 am
Thanks for the great post on your blog. It really gives me an insight…..