This is an interesting one, because more than anything else I’ve featured so far, this piece suffers the most from not being experienced live. Shireen Talhouni is a Jordanian dancer and choreographer, and today’s helping is a number titled “Her”. It is a slow and deeply melodic movement piece, and I know for a fact that had I been watching this live onstage, I would have been absolutely riveted. There is something about watching a professional dancer move with such precision that I adore. I’ve seen countless pieces like this in the past, and I’ve loved them all. In fact, that was what drew me to this piece in the first place. But unfortunately, watching it unfold on a screen doesn’t have nearly the same impact. I still enjoyed it, but I would have loved it had I watched it live.
Perhaps it wasn’t the best idea to start this challenge when cultural sites, especially performance venues, are all closed. I am so extraordinarily grateful that there is so much art available online during this time, but there are limits to what can be experienced through a screen. Today’s helping is proof of that. So while I will continue to be grateful to the artists who make their work available online, I will also look forward to the day when I can once again support them in person. Because someone like Shireen Talhouni, and all the other extraordinarily talents artists out there, deserve to be seen onstage. Hopefully those stages will re-open sooner rather than later.
Quick note. I wasn’t able to find a good photo from “Her”, so the above photo is from Shireen Talhouni’s 2018 showreel. Definitely worth a look to get an idea of the incredible range of her work.
Suggestions for artists I should check out? Please contact me with your ideas. I hope you enjoyed your daily helping of art!
