The Dance of the Playa
How the friction of a sandstorm became a courageous collaboration.
Sophie arrived back at camp encrusted with dust having just braved a certain daytime Armageddon that had kept me huddled under the parachute and next to the bar. She shared with me the most beautiful photo of her at the base of a sculpture of a woman, sitting in full lotus, with an open heart. She said, “It’s not that bad!” So I hitched up my courage, pulled down my goggles and pedaled away from camp.
Somehow, despite all the vast open playa, I ended up at the same sculpture.
I wanted a picture, like Sophie’s. There was a woman, huddled over a bike with music playing over the speaker. I noticed an internal discomfort with asking as I was taught never to bother anyone and that story runs deep. Once again, courage spoke inside and I found my outside voice. “Will you take my picture?” She looked at me, smiled, and said, “I just took this video of me dancing, wanna see?” Of course I did. It was so beautiful.
The voice inside spoke again, “Why don’t you dance?” To which fear answered, “You can’t dance like that! You might be embarrassed!” Again courage took charge and I externalized, “Will you dance with me and can we make a video too?”
I knew no one in this video, no active recruitment. It is a beautiful evolution and global collaboration across nations as the Chinese Burners joined the fray. I hope you enjoy, I still laugh at its beautiful absurdity. Damn I love Burning Man.
I am keeping the dream alive, sipping coffee while wearing a tutu as I integrate my playa lessons.
Until we meet again, I wish you a dance like no one’s watching.
Thank you for sharing the experience. I am the founder of a global art initiative about human possibility, connection and freedom. The vision is to turn the world into a gallery of our shared humanity. Please join the collaboration on Patreon.com/theaimproject. Keep in touch! Let’s make some magic together.
