An Athlete of God- assertion journal

An Athlete of God
Martha Graham

Martha Graham’s essay An Athlete of God relates dance to life in several ways. She states that humans learn by practice; both life and dance require the performance of disciplined, precise actions in spite of struggles and obstacles. Martha Graham discusses dance in the way that is relatable. She states that the human body is “the instrument through which life is lived.” This is why dance has been so revered by people over the years. The art of dance describes life without words.

As a dancer, I can relate to this essay rather well. Martha Graham doesn’t only choreograph dances, but incredible works of art, and her comparisons between dance and life ring true for me. She discusses how dance appears graceful, simple, and a joy for the dancers performing. This is true, to those on the outside. The final product is meant to be seen as beautiful; the audience is not supposed to know the pain the dancers are enduring. The audience does not observe each rehearsal where our pointe shoes turn our feet into mangled, bloody messes of blisters and calluses. The audience does not see the rehearsals where we are standing at the barre in our leotards and tights, dripping sweat onto the floor, where we might slip in it. The audience does not watch to see how sore we are days after rehearsals, our muscles so tight it is painful to walk. The audience does not view the frustration often felt when it takes more than a week to master a complicated dance step. All the audience sees is the beautiful performance during which the sweat, blood, and tears pays off. They see the grace and beauty in the movements, but the power and strength behind them is often overlooked. The stories told through dance are endless, and all can be related to life’s stories.

The same struggles a dancer encounters everyday are experienced by non-dancers in their lives as well. On the outside, most people seem to be organized and have all their ducks in a row. To the outside observer, these people are not easily stressed or disgruntled, they are in complete control over their lives. However, the outside observer does not see the average person’s internal struggles or troubles. The behind-the-scenes action is what makes up the majority of a person’s life (or a dancer’s performances), yet the final product is all that matters. The final product is what is seen and judged by others.

Dancing is like living in several ways. To the audience, it seems effortless and graceful, but it actually requires years of practice and training to acquire the strength and power needed to achieve a beautiful final product.

From: http://thisibelieve.org/essay/16583/