Comparing Sexual Visibility of Dance

Last night traditional Cretan dancers came and performed. I couldn’t help but smile the entire time because I was moved by how beautiful it was. As they were dancing I was comparing everything in my head to other traditional dances I’ve seen within different cultures. I noticed how formal it was, in relation to the position the women had with the men. The women mostly tapped their feet and appeared to be accessories to the men, because the men’s movements were depicted physically stoic and audibly loud. They were stomping their feet in unison and raised their bodies high in the air. Although the women may have appeared less of a visible object in the dance, when the men geared up to leap from a standing position they all had to put their arms around another to create a formation they could push off of. In that way, the women added to the heightened visibility of the men and without them it might have not been as successful. Star and I talked after and she mentioned that position of the hand holding, and said the women clung their whole hand to only one finger on the hand of the men. Its also interesting to note that although the men had more solos, the dance could not have been completed without the women being there. This is to be said for other cultural dances around the world. I think it speaks a lot about the culture and how intimacy is reflected within dance. In Latin culture the merengue is extremely intimate to be witness to. What does that say about Latin culture in comparison to Greek? What about sexuality makes it to the stage? And why is it that certain cultures allow sexuality to be visible within traditional dance--performed as representative of that culture. Star also said that dance has the ability to reflect passions of war and violence. Although decorated in clothing, the men stood tall and stomped their feet loudly with a piercing stance. Latin dances have the tendency to be more fluid and almost improvisational. You and your partner are feeding off each others energy and creating a being through how your bodies interact. Is Cretan dance structured and formal because the island is small and they need to appear powerful? In this way, dance is the easiest way to communicate attitude because dance is a language, the audience no matter the background can interpret the message.

The Holy and Stavropegic Monastery of the Life-Giving-Spring Chrysopigi

On Tuesday, we attended a monastery and service at The Holy and Stravropegic Monastery of the Life-Giving-Spring Chrysopigi. The Monastery is nestled high up on a hill over looking the neighboring towns and Chania. The surrounding area by the Monastery is labeled as holy grounds, as well as a conservatory. My previous conception of a Monastery is just a place of worship and nothing more, however in experiencing a service, walking around the grounds, and conversing with the nuns; I have found that a Monastery is so much more. It is a community.

We started off with a brief history of the Monastery, of when it was built and the work that went into the beauty of the church and grounds surrounding. We proceeded to have a tour, seeing the courtyard, painting studio, and traveling down to see the caves where shrines and additional prayer spaces are. The conclusion to the tour was a smaller church that was farther down, as well as the educational center. The education center contained knowledge on dying wool, herbs, art, the ocean, solar power, as well as a virtual tour of the grounds. I didn't have much thought about the Monastery while touring the grounds but after I really reflected on the beauty of the buildings as well as the nuns way of life.

One thing that I found incredible was the fact of how resourceful and self sustainable they were. In talking to one of the nuns, I discovered that they did not need to purchase outside food except for fish. On the grounds of the Monastery they were able to find fruit/fruit preserves, flowers for the dye's and painting material, rely on sheep/goats both for milk, cheese and meat, plant life and access to herbs via the herb garden. They are able to make a living with little environmental impact, as well as teach a younger generation the ways of a sustainable approach to every day methods.

Another thing that impressed me was their paintings. When we were given the background of the Church, one of the nuns pointed out the decorations around the church, and that they were all handmade by the sisters residing there. Getting up close to the paintings, and tapestries one can see the immense detail and attention payed as well as needed to accomplish such a feat. These painting were beautiful and so lifelike, and certainly embodied the people they are supposed to represent. We got a chance to see inside of of the painting studies, and were fortunate enough to have an explanation of the steps it takes to accomplish a painting, such as the technique and style. In looking at the paintings, it has taught me that things don't come easy, and that patience and practice is key when trying to learn/apply/exercise a certain technique or knowledge.

A service followed our tour of the paining room, and I can say that as someone who is not partially religious, but has experienced regular church attendance in the past, I was blown away by this service. They were able to resinate something in me so fast, that I did not expect it. When the sisters started to sing, I was almost in a trance like state, their words and sounds were so captivating that I didn't want it to stop. During the service, I noticed one nun in particular that was walking around the church with a burning of incense or sage, that added to the atmosphere of calmness and consecutiveness. Although I did not understand what the nuns were saying I felt appreciative of their way of life, and their religion (as their religion is not my own).

One last thing about my experience is that I know that for some it may be hard to understand a nuns way of life. However, in attending this Monastery, I have a new understanding of their way of life. They feel a strong connection to their god, that ultimately is a greater calling to serve him that anything else in their life. Even though they may life a secluded life, it is nothing but. They are able to do their family proud, as serving god (I can only imagine) must be a high accomplishment in a society were religion has such deep routes. They are not only able to serve god but they are able to reach out and educate the community in ways that I did not think of. The name of the Monastery also captivated my attention, the name isn't just a name but an explanation for everything that they do which is a hub for giving to the community and asking for nothing in return, a spring of knowledge that flows for anyone who is willing to drink from it.

Days after Arrival

Prior to my arrival I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had google imaged Greece before and have close friends who are Greek, so I assumed what the culture and atmosphere might be like. However, google images and merely asking my friends what to expect, does not nearly compare to the overwhelming generosity of the people, in addition to the spirit and indescribable vibrancy of the Mediterranean. Before I got to the institute I spent a day in Athens with Jamie, Megan, Nathan, and Sophia. I’m glad I went there first because it has allowed me to make comparisons between Crete and the capital. Athens seemed to be compiled of functional noise; sort of where city structures collide with development, in addition to rich culture. It was unlike any other capital I’ve seen. (its also pretty clean!!!) Arriving in Crete we we’re greeted by Dr.Vamvakas and the remaining group members. I was happy to see some familiar faces and eager to meet new ones.

The other day Nana and I were discussing the time here and how everything moves slow. While discussing this I realized that it was not necessarily true because I feel as though Greek culture is fast paced, but at the same time a slow dance. I think the time goes by slow here because we’re all not on our phones. It made me realize how many seconds a day I spend on my phone back in Boston, endless scrolling looking to fill my brain up with meaningless fluff. While being here and not reliant on constant gratification, validation, or affirmation from social media, I’ve been able to LOOK UP and see what’s in front of me…as cliché as that sounds, its true. Maybe if I had amazing wifi I would be in my room talking to friends and not learning and practicing Greek with the ladies’ upstairs, Yota, or her daughters. By not looking at my phone I’ve been able to reach out to my peers and inquire about their lives, which has made the whole experience much more authentic. Its just us here. And to enjoy our time, we have to make it enjoyable. last night some of us stayed up later playing spoons on the courtyard whilst stuffing our faces which chocolate cake that Anastasia brought to us.

I’ve also had the pleasure to get to know Yota, her daughter, and her friend Sofia. When we went to the first beach Fidrah and I took a walk and had a great conversation with very little sophisticated exchange. That’s something I’ve also realized. That to have meaningful conversations you don’t necessarily need big words or ideas, but rather the intention to really know what the other is thinking. One of the first night’s, Greek class had ended and everyone was sitting in the courtyard. Being me, and seeing people sitting around with nothing to do, means that we should all probably just be dancing. I ran into my room, got my speaker, pulled people out of their chairs and we all got to steppin’ that I think was a great decision because I was able to show the girls I wanted to get to know them, and since I didn’t have the right tools to ask certain questions, I knew through dancing they would be able to see my genuine desire to befriend them. Thus far the experience has been unbelievably extraordinary and I can’t wait to see what’s to come next. Ta Ta for now.

Monastery Visit

When I heard that we were going to a monastery I have to admit that my first reaction was not the same excitement I have felt for some of our other trips and activities. To my surprise this was one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen in my life. (I'm not sure why I still get surprised considering every day we end up somewhere even more beautiful than the day before) The Sisters were so gracious and eager to show us around and answer any questions. I was enamored with the beauty of the buildings and the grounds, the beauty of their voices singing in church, and the beauty of their paintings of Icons. I was inspired by how the monastery also had an educational component for children, specifically environmental education. This was refreshing to see because often it feels like science and religion or environmental and religion are pitted against each other. I'm thankful for the opportunity to visit this beautiful place and learn so much in a short time.

Week Two...

Music is a universal language. It’s a language that we all speak and understand, and we each interpret differently.

Two nights ago at the Church of the Holy Cross, my classmates and I had the opportunity to sit among the people of the village (many of whom had lived here most of their lives and some who remember the construction of this very church) and take part in celebrating Saint George, the holy Martyr of Alikianos. I had the privilege of sitting beside Klio, one of the woman who have helped introduce us to the food and culture of the Island, and she translated some of the sermon to me so that I can get a taste of how powerful the words of the priest were.

Before the sermon, a men’s choir stepped up to perform a song of praise in honor of the virgin Mary. The piece had no lyrics and was delivered as a type of chant, and as someone who does not speak the language of the island it was nice being able to enjoy the power and emotion that fluttered throughout the church grounds as the men chanted.

As I sat and listened, people trickled in and out of their chairs as they looked around the crowd and saw family members and friends slowly arrive to celebrate with the community. Klio was with her mother, and her son joined us soon after. Children ran through the aisles, women greeted their mothers and sisters with a kiss on either cheek, and, although I could not understand their words or conversation, I understood who they were, and what brought them all together that night. That night was, to me, the night that I felt most like a part of the village community. After the sermon, the town’s youth choir was brought up to perform, followed by the official choir of Alikianos, and the music reminded me of the Sunday mornings my family and I spent at the Igreja do Espirito Santo (Church of the Holy Spirit), in Fall River.

The past few days that I have spent in Crete have been filled with a certain spiritual connection that has helped bring me closer to this land and its community. At the church of the Holy Cross, I lit a candle for Mr. Spencer. Mr. Spencer was my theater director when I was performing at Kuss Middle School, and from those first 3 months that we worked together on my very first production I gained an incredible friend and mentor who has guided me over the past 10 years. He passed away just a few weeks before I left for this experience, and my heart has been with him, his family, and my Kuss Theatre community.

Yesterday we visited a monastery, and were led through the grounds by two of the nuns who helped us understand the Greek Orthodox tradition. I was taken by their connection to the land and their dedication to labor and service. Their ability to sustain themselves and the pride they took in the work that they were doing was inspiring, and fit in beautifully with the lessons of the day, looking at sustainability and water security in the region.

Tonight, we will be celebrating a “Cretan Night” here at the institute, and I look forward to seeing what the night, and the rest of the week has in store!

The Real World: Alikianos

So back in the states there’s this stupid ass term called “glamping,” otherwise known as glamorous camping. Put in another way, camping for people who can’t actually rough it. Well, welcome to Alikianos. At this point in time there is no power or running water at the institute and I have more bruises and cuts than actual skin. I haven’t showered in a couple of days and there is visible dirt and grime caking my nails and fingers. We’re all hot and sweaty, tired, slightly dazed and definitely confused. But the thing is I am confident that everyone is just as happy and content as I am right now.

Being in Alikianos is unlike anything else I have experienced before. This tiny village has welcomed with open arms a group of 15 rambunctious American students, many of whom were strangers with each other to begin with. But in less than two weeks this uncharted territory has become familiar, and the same people who were once strangers have become friends and family.

It is a testament to being a part of a personalistic society. There are language barriers to overcome, as well as differences in beliefs and values; however, none of this has been difficult and it has been easy to get a card game going, or a small exchange of words so that you can feel a connection to those around you. The people in this village and the students that are engaging in this experience with me have affected me in a way that I did not expect. Every interaction seems more genuine and sincere, and it is because you know it’s coming from a more nurturing place. It is heartbreaking to see how much the Eurozone crisis has devastated this village, yet those who have had so much taken from them by force are more than willing to offer whatever it is they do have.

This experience thus far has taught me to be more humble, and to slow down to stop and smell the roses. For the past few years I have been told to slow down and be active in the present more times than I can count, coming from both my dad and my favorite professor. Prior to this experience I was never able to successfully do this, but here I feel like I am finally starting to get it. It all comes down to the low hanging fruit: give what you can, and do what you can and just enjoy the process of it all.