theBendlogo_darkTheBend: A fusion of insights from creative professionals, discussing concepts of the artistic Mind Body and Soul.  The Bend dives deeper through a broad range of grounded topics often questioned by dancers and creative professionals, with a foremost reminder to be present in the process.

*This article is part of a series following the last months of my 15 year professional dance career with Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. To start at the ‘beginning of the end’ so to speak, check out https://interviewenlair.com/6-months-soul/.

The floodgates of emotion have officially opened. I thought I was “doing well” in dealing with the impending final curtain, meaning, I haven’t been shedding tears every day. However, as the countdown number is reaching below freezing marks, the tears are flowing, the laughing turns to crying, and vice versa. I’m a roller coaster of emotion. It was inevitable, and I have to let it run it course.

In my 33 years on this earth, I have learned of a little weapon in coping with times of fear, emotion, turmoil of sorts, it is helping me now more than ever. Humor. It is often said that ‘Humor is the best form of therapy’, and I can vouch for it.  Growing up with brothers, this was engrained early on, and luckily translated into my professional career. If we can laugh at ourselves, and find humor in any situation, the perspective changes instantly from meek to, well….funny.

No one knows this idea better than comedic gem, Gilda Radner . SNL’s original female shining star  became a household name, and a legacy in her field. Although Ms. Radner had much professional success, she endeared health struggles that ultimately took her far too soon from the world. Of course remembered for her ability to make people laugh, Gilda has also been quoted on more serious matters of life as well, and the quote below if a gift of perspective too good not to share.

“I wanted a perfect ending. Now I’ve learned, the hard way, that some poems don’t rhyme, and some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what is going to happen next. Delicious Ambiguity.”     -Gilda Radner

My friends, I encourage all of us to remember to take in each moment, make the best of each moment, and understand change is inevitable.   Try to find humor along the way, and be present in the process.

*Did you know Gilda was no stranger to dance?  Click the link below to watch a classic, “Bad Ballet”.  Enjoy!

http://www.hulu.com/watch/4128

Samantha Klanac Campanile
Samantha Klanac CampanileColumnist | Dancer