A QUIET INSPIRATION: Leonard Cohen & Matisse

Pursuing an Artform as physically demanding and visceral as Dance often requires levels of energy that are far above normal.  As Performers, many of us already have a natural "switch " that turns on as easy as breathing.  I myself, find that I am often continuously living in a space full of energy and enthusiasm, and this started long before dance ever entered my life; when my former athletic coaches used to drill into us the idea that "an energetic attitude, is a winning attitude".

Being naturally energetic, meant that this idea was no problem for me -- and even now, I often feel downright guilty for entering the Public Sphere sans passion. 

Nevertheless, I've found over time that being in such an enthusiastic state can sometimes work against the very real need to commence from within yourself.  To honor your need for, simply, Quiet.

Lately I've been embracing this idea of quiet inspiration and in doing so I've been drawn back to a lovely book published by a little known publishing house.  At the time I originally acquired this reading, it seemed that, like so many special moments in my life, in some way, this book found me -- an accidental meeting -- a most pleasant surprise.   Encapsulating a simple, heart-full poem written by Leonard Cohen with Illustrations by Matisse, this little serendipitous find has brought me a quiet inspiration that is reminiscent of a lullaby, allowing me to slowly cradle my need for repose, and dreams.

I hope you too, Enjoy.

DANCE ME TO THE END OF LOVE

BY LEONARD COHEN / PAINTINGS BY MATISSE



DANCE ME TO YOUR BEAUTY WITH A BURNING VIOLIN,

DANCE ME THROUGH THE PANIC, TILL I'M GATHERED SAFELY IN,

LIFT ME LIKE AN OLIVE BRANCH AND BE MY HOMEWARD DOVE,

DANCE ME TO THE END OF LOVE.

LET ME SEE YOUR BEAUTY,

WHEN THE WITNESSES ARE GONE.

LET ME FEEL YOU MOVING, LIKE THEY DO IN BABYLON

SHOW ME SLOWLY, WHAT I ONLY KNOW THE LIMITS OF,

DANCE ME TO THE END OF LOVE.

DANCE ME TO THE WEDDING NOW

DANCE ME ON AND ON,

DANCE ME VERY TENDERLY,

AND DANCE ME VERY LONG.

WE'RE BOTH OF US BENEATH OUR LOVE,

WE'RE BOTH OF US ABOVE,

DANCE ME TO THE END OF LOVE.

DANCE ME TO THE CHILDREN, WHO ARE ASKING TO BE BORN,

DANCE ME THROUGH CURTAINS, THAT OUR KISSES HAVE OUTWORN,

RAISE A TENT OF SHELTER NOW, THOUGH EVERY THREAD IS TORN,

DANCE ME TO THE END OF LOVE. 

DANCE ME TO YOUR BEAUTY WITH A BURNING VIOLIN,

DANCE ME THROUGH THE PANIC, TILL I'M GATHERED SAFELY IN,

TOUCH ME WITH YOUR NAKED HAND,  TOUCH ME WITH YOUR GLOVE,

DANCE ME TO THE END OF LOVE.