Why do they call it “dancing for your life?” It’s a phrase frequently repeated on the popular talent show So You Think You Can Dance, a phrase that extends an invitation for the contestant to take one last shot. There are only two sides to this coin—a 50/50 chance to either continue on in the …
Tag: courage
Heroes, Villains, and Pretenders
In Disney’s recent remake of the classic Aladdin, the genie says something to Aladdin that I find quite profound. Here, I paraphrase in my own words: “The more you gain while pretending to be something you’re not, the less you’ll have.” Jafar—the villain—is the villain because he seeks power, status and riches above …
The Quest for Significance
Why are writers so afraid? I seem to face a demagogy of unfounded and unexplainable fears throughout a given week, and I just don’t understand. Why the barrage? Why can’t I just enjoy life and live in the moment and stop. worrying. worrying. worrying? It’s like a tick is scratching away at my brain. I …
Uncertainty
I wonder sometimes if one of the best places to be found by God might be in the place of uncertainty. Uncertainty is hard. In fact, it can really suck sometimes. When your foundation is wobbly, you don’t feel very encouraged to put your foot forward. The older I get and the more experiences I …
Artists for Hope
Several weeks ago I took a hip-hop class in which we learned a fun and energetic combination. At the end of the class, the teacher split us into groups to perform the combo one group at a time. Normal dance class—yes. But what the teacher did next proved to me once again that no dance …
Courageous Art
The reason we like art is not because it’s safe. Think about it. When was the last time you were moved, inspired, or challenged by a movie, book, song, or other piece of art whose creator remained within the safe confines of a box? I mean, don’t get me wrong—it happens. But let’s be honest …