By Candyce Burke
You know how it seems that some people just have a natural knack for things? Like their chosen artistic expression just flows out of them. It’s not uncommon to hear a dancer say definitively, “Dance is a part of who I am” suggesting the inseparable nature of their being and their art form. And it’s more than just this declaration that is convincing, when they dance, they make it look so easy. Like breathing.
Then there are those people who seem to have all the passion in the world to sing or dance or paint, but they just aren’t very good. This example begs the question: Can people choose what they want to be good at? Do we have the ability to be talented or gifted in whatever we want? Also, by what standard do we judge someone’s artistic expression as “good” or “bad”? Should we judge?
How can someone have no rhythm at all, yet have the ability to paint a masterpiece? Something to make you say hmmmm….
When I reflect on my experience as a stepper, I think about the time I have spent practicing and training, essentially perfecting my skill. I remember one of the first times I saw step being performed, it struck a chord that resonated with me. This was over a decade ago, and my experience as a stepper has fueled the passion I now have for this artistic expression. Maybe, being rhythmically inclined had a lot to do with my initial attraction to step? Now, step is a part to my life. It’s what I do, what I enjoy, like second-nature.
I believe that it is at the intersection where passion meets talent meets gift meets perfected skill that the magic of artistic expression happens.
LET’S DIALOGUE!!!: Think of something you’re good at…..step, photography, singing, whatever it may be. Now, think about how you got to be good at it. Is it something that you practice and work hard at, or is it more like second nature? When did you first realize what your artistic passion was? What are your thoughts about artistic expression, is it a gift, talent, or perfected skill? Be a part of this discussion…
First off Candyce this is beautifully written. The words are beautifully expressed. Next, it is hard to say where passion, knack, talent and skills meet. When I first saw step I was enamored with it. It was something I had to do, something that I felt a strong calling to. Since then it has become one of my passions. When I started I was not good, it was practice that made permanent in my case. I believe that talents and gifts no matter what take practice to be refined. Someone can be a phenomenal singer. Their voice can be beautiful, but natural talent will only take you so far. Practice has to them take over, and bring the talent to the next level. Without practice, passion and talent are almost dead. One can never excel to the highest degree on talent alone. Talent/Knack/Gift coupled with Practice is what makes perfect and beautiful!
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