The Dance of the Playa

Sharon DeMattia
Sep 8, 2018 · 2 min read

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.

Sharon DeMattia

Written by

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade