Everyone who is far from their origin

Everyone who is far from their origin
Seeks the time of reunion with it.

Rumi says that when people are separated from their origin, they are always looking for a way to return to it. Dance is one of the ways that helps them achieve this unity and feel joy and peace.

In light of this poem, during the Spring Forward festival, we witnessed various performances that transported us to new worlds. Each dance, with its unique style and expression, resonated deeply with the essence of Rumi’s words. The performers, through their movements, seemed to embark on a journey back to their origins, inviting us to join them in their quest for unity.

As spectators, we were not just passive observers. We became part of the performance, feeling the rhythm and emotions conveyed by the dancers. There were moments when the boundary between the performers and the audience blurred, allowing us to immerse ourselves more fully in the experience. We could sense the dancers’ connection to their roots and felt a shared sense of joy and ecstasy as we witnessed their art.

Some performances even encouraged audience participation, making us feel like active contributors to the dance. This interactive element enhanced our connection to the festival, making each moment more memorable and impactful. The dance festival, with its diverse range of styles and expressions, truly embodied the spirit of Rumi’s poetry, illustrating how dance can be a powerful means of connection and transformation.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that everyone has different tastes and preferences. Not every performance was universally appealing, and there were times when some dances felt less engaging or even tedious. The variety of performances meant that while some resonated deeply with us, others might not have captured our interest as strongly. This diversity in reactions is natural and part of the festival’s charm, as it offers something for everyone, even if not every piece is to one’s liking.

In a very short time, we all became like one big family. Dance became the central topic of our conversations, from the moment we opened our eyes and gathered for breakfast at the hotel, to the times we traveled between different cities by bus, and finally, when we returned to the hotel to write reviews of everything we had seen. This shared experience of dance brought us closer together, creating bonds that transcended our individual differences.

Writing fair and constructive critiques was one of the most challenging aspects of the festival for me. I often pondered how my feedback could contribute to the improvement of the performances. The group leaders guided us patiently through this process, offering invaluable insights and support. One particularly unforgettable moment was the animated PowerPoint presentation they used to illustrate key points, leaving a lasting impression on my mind. The Spring Forward festival became a platform for artists to exchange ideas and grow together. I deeply miss every single moment.

Overall, the festival was a vivid tapestry of artistic expression, reflecting the diverse ways in which dance can touch the soul. Despite the occasional moments of disengagement, the overall experience was enriching, providing a deeper appreciation for the art of dance and its capacity to unite, inspire, and transform. The conversations, critiques, and shared moments of contemplation made the festival an unforgettable experience, fostering a sense of community and shared passion among all the participants.

Fatemeh Esmaeilghorbaninejad