Words With Impact: Describe Symbols as Allusions and Echoes: Dance

Workshop: Discover Words That Sing

“Dance is the hidden language of the soul” Martha Graham

To describe and implement symbols, images and typology, we are looking for familiar touchstones to relate to whether in characters, words, or patterns—plus the geography that connects whether literally as a highway, or a road marked on a map. They open communication through all sensory responses depending on the allusions and echoes and images that rise to the surface.

As we’ve reflected back on the connections that most influence us we see that the strongest ones often come through our senses. Like being drawn to a kitchen when someone is baking cookies. These echoes can show up in unexpected places or be ones we hold tightly, so as not to forget a place or a special person.

When times of chaos, or tragedy, or stress strike, these images can become lifelines as well when they hold goodness and love.

As mentioned earlier we need to keep listening to our stories. Don’t force a symbol or theme but watch and see through the brainstorming and drafts what rises to the surface. However, once you see the comparisons, or know some themes, look for ways to enhance them naturally. If a particular metaphor keeps echoing through the work examine it for the potential to either become a symbol you incorporate, or keep as a symbol for yourself writing towards it without stating what it is.

The movie Shag is named after and highlights Carolina Shag dancing in the 1960’s. The focus is set on a weekend with four young women transitioning from high-school. The dance allusion tracks their personal discoveries as they begin to see themselves from a new perspective.

Some of its timeless appeal definitely included the music, which captured the era, was fun, and wove its own magic. But the key echo was the metaphor of dance behind the actual dance steps and music, which the movie blended seamlessly throughout the storyline.

For example: the character Pudge loves to dance, is so excited she can’t wait to be at the dance hall, and faces immediate disappointment as no one wants to dance with her.  She sees herself through her nickname as undesirable. The surface dilemma is a minor inconvenience to the deeper desire for Pudge to have someone value her for herself, for someone to wants to ‘dance’ with her, to match her heart.

The young man she meets insists he can’t shag so Pudge offers to teach him. He actually is an excellent dancer but he too is looking beyond the surface and doesn’t want to be liked just because he can dance in the contest. The dance metaphor guides them into a real understanding of friendship and relationship and possibilities.

They learn their new steps as individuals hearing their own heartbeats, their real desires, and their soul hungers.

Action Steps:

1. Choose a dance theme that matches your character, whether current or historical to her real timeline. Chart out the actual dance moves and the pattern to them.

2. How can you apply that pattern to an emotional conflict she is trying to comprehend?

Share: What timeless quality does it unveil for her situation?

Read deep, marcy