Having just returned home from 2 weeks researching at Earthdance in Massachusetts, I feel primed for us to explore generativity and generosity. One of the things I was reminded of at Earthdance is the importance of creativity. I entered the residency with the intention of devising some specific physical exercises aimed to increase vitality. The more I tried to do this, the less sense it made to me: We are self-organizing systems, so while prescriptive exercises may sometimes be useful, they aren’t the most effective ways of increasing our systemic aliveness. Improvisation is the key to practicing resilience, diversity, and receptivity, all key skills in generating vitality!

As I work with generosity in my own dancing, and my life in general, I keep coming back to a balance between self-consciousness and opening up the boundaries of expressivity. I am terrified and enlivened by the creative impulse that causes me to connect with parts of myself, with others, and with the world. I walk straight into this fear as often as I can, with an improvisatory spirit. I feel it when I dance, and often when I work with clients as well. So now I’m beginning a new practice, perhaps called Generous Dance Practice, and perhaps simply called Dance Surplus. When I dance I aim to generate surplus vitality that I can share. I think we can all do this. Today I created a short 2 minute film to begin my own Dance Surplus. It explores a story: I found out that I made a new friend uncomfortable without intending to. I’d love if you’d take a look at it below. Your comments are welcome!