It's My Job: A Redefinition

Gooood afternoon everyone 🌤
Happy Monday!

Here are today's thoughts. . . 

It's time I grab hold of my life. There are too many things at play, too many obstacles to let get in the way. Strength doesn't grow on trees, and so I've learned that I have to find it within myself somehow. I say all of this because as a student, and an artist, I'm given many opportunities to throw in the towel. To give up, or to say no. To give less than my best. But I've learned that no matter what, I have to keep going. I have to keep pushing myself. I can't let my emotions drag me down, or my mentality grow negative. It's my job to redefine who I am, what I represent, and to steer myself back on track. I have to be patient with myself, my growth, and my progress. I have to recognize what isn't working, and what is. The adjustments I need to make, and what needs to change. It's my job to stay interested, stay engaged, and stay open. If there are a million voices in my head telling me to stop, I have to create that one voice to drown all those others out. I have to be my own support, my own foundation, my own ground to stand tall on. It's my job to know when to move, and when to be still. When to hold on, and when to let go. Life is about balance, and it's my job to define what that means for me. We will always be "figuring it out" in life. Once you know it all, you might as well be dead. There is way too much out there to see, feel, and experience, for someone to claim that they know it all. This world is much too big a place for ignorance to take root. It is my job to stay creative. To redefine myself and the world around me.

Peace & love,

MSB 

P.S. SAVE THE DATE >>> SUNDAY, Sept 24th !!

WHAT: Contemporary Open Class w/ MIKE ESPERANZA 

WHEN: 7:30pm-9:30pm

WHERE: PMT Studio 69 West 14th St New York,NY 

Only $10! 

Stay tuned for upcoming posts! 

Visit our website for more info! Movedipr.org

Follow us on instagram! @movedipr @difned @msb.words 

Inspiration Anyone?

Hi everyone,
Coming to YOU all this week for some much needed inspiration🙏🏽
As artists, it is our job to feed off one another and to gather as many ideas as we can to further enhance our work. Yes, dancing is a performing art, but it is also an invaluable form of communication. It is a language. And so, I'm coming to you. What have you all been thinking about lately? What's been bothering you? What is upsetting? Has anything been just eating away at your soul? Your conscience? Feeling stuck? Unable to create? Comment your thoughts below or message us directly at one of the pages listed! Let us know what you'd like to see more of! Let's talk about it. Let's investigate. This is an open space for all.    

Peace, love, & prayers,

MSB

P.S. SAVE THE DATE!! >> FIRST MD OPEN CLASS!! 

When: Sunday, 9/17 @ 7-9pm

Where: 218 W 57th St 

Only $12!! 

Stay tuned for upcoming posts! 

Visit our website for more info! >> Movedipr.org 

Follow us on instagram! +move DIPR! @difned @movedipr 

Power as a Tool, Not a Weapon

Sooo.. I think the problem is power. We want too much of it. We don’t get enough of it. Whatever it may be. I think it is within our nature as human beings to seek positions of authority or power. So actually the problem isn’t power itself but rather what people do with it. But here’s the thing: it's not others that we should be seeking power over, it’s ourselves.

          The moment that we seek power over others, we put ourselves at an unfortunate disadvantage because we are trying to accomplish something that isn’t meant to be done. I've watched too many people seek power over others because they don't know how to take control of their own lives. Human beings were never meant to dominate. They were meant to share, to collaborate, and to learn and grow from each other. Power creates divides. Power instills fear. People cannot prosper or thrive or be their best selves if they are living in fear. If there are powerless. Look at the black man. Why else do we see him angry? Why else do we see him distraught? As a criminal? Living in fear destructs the soul. It paralyzes passion and it exhausts the human spirit. And sometimes it can be inescapable. If we are overcome with fear, we cannot create. We cannot love. We cannot live.   

Peace & love,

MSB

Stay tuned for upcoming posts!

Visit movedipr.org for more info about the organization!

Follow us on Instagram! @movedipr @difned

Patience

       What I'm learning is patience. This past week, I was given many opportunities to get frustrated, and I did. And it brought me to a very toxic state of mind. The political climate of the world is really taking its toll on me, and as a woman of color, it's near impossible to avoid it. Oppression is real, and so are its effects. We're given every reason to be angry. And to carry that anger with us wherever we go. But if we neglect to give ourselves what we need, the situation becomes much, much worse. 

        As an advocate for social change, I'm learning when to take a step back and realize that I can't do it all. Now more than ever, I need to handle my emotions so that it doesn't affect work. I need to keep myself on track. I can't afford to be so overcome with pain that I can no longer create. And so I guess I'm writing this as a part of that moving-forward process. 

       My takeaway from this past week is to be kind to myself. Pain can fuel art, but it shouldn't drive it. Now is the time to heal and move forward into something new. Something deeper. 💪🏽 Have a good week everyone! :) 

Peace & love,

MSB

Stay tuned for upcoming posts!

Visit movedipr.org for more info about this incredible organization!

Follow us on Instagram! @movedipr @difned 

Out of the Dark and Into the Light

      So here I am. Laying in my bed, reflecting on another week passed, and another week to come. Not going to lie, these past few weeks have been full of ups and downs, and I’ve really been thinking about a lot. Mainly dance, art, relationships, love, and my role in the world. All of our roles, really. And how all of these precious things are connected. One of the things I’ve come to realize is that no matter how hard or difficult it gets, no matter how heavy the weight on our shoulders may feel, we just have to keep going. And that that struggle of pulling ourselves out of dark places every now and again, is part of what makes us human, and what gives greater meaning to our art. I for one know what it feels like to not be able to create anymore, to have no desire at all, and to  really be in a dark place. But, I’ve found that I just need to sit with those feelings and embrace them.
     SO.... as summer comes to a close and a new chapter emerges, I’m seeing things with fresh eyes. Now that the eclipse has come and gone, I see that transformation is among us, if we stay open to it. In fact, I’m not sure that art would even exist if it weren’t for some need to release parts of our soul. The parts that ache, and need to express pain and passion in whatever way possible. The turmoil of the world around us, the hate, the violence of the present day, are all what make art essential. They’re what make it that much more real. Art is active, art is healing, art is open. And art is new each and every day. More importantly, it has given me every reason to love more, and deeper. To learn when to fight, and when to let go. Which I'll probably be mastering for the rest of my life.

Guess that’s it for now. Until next time! :)

Peace & love,

MSB

P.S. I will now be posting every MONDAY. So stay connected to see where diprVOICE goes next :)

Also, **DATE TO SAVE >>> A DIPR Contemporary Wkshp !! LABOR DAY (Sunday, September 4th) 6-9pm @ Gibney Dance (280 Broadway) 

Stay tuned for upcoming posts!

Visit movedipr.org for more info about this incredible organization!

Follow us on Instagram! @movedipr @difned

Share your thoughts below!! We want to hear from YOU!

Nothing to Lose, So Much to Gain

           Good morning beautiful people! ☀ I’m here this morning to talk a little bit about expectations. We all have them. Some of us think we should lower ours. Others live by the mantra of having none. But expectations can be a good tool for success, if used properly. It begins with control. So much of what we gain out of experiences depends entirely on what we're willing to put into them. What we are willing to give of ourselves. Because here's an ugly truth: nothing is guaranteed in this career. Rarely will things be given to you other than constructive criticism, advice, guidance for navigating the industry, etc. So this is where you must take control and put in the work. Match the opportunities you're given with the effort you put in.

I get it. It can be discouraging at times. This is why it's important to remember that only you have the power to control the outcome of your progress, as a human being and as an artist. And only you know your own body. You know what you need to do in order to be able to give 100%. And you know on which days you won’t be that. But if we enter spaces with a willingness to learn, to create, and to grow, our experiences will begin to change. Having an openness as an artist is one of the best things you can have. A willingness to be vulnerable, accept fear, and push past it. This becomes crucial as we engage with one another as humans, and enter spaces to make art and share movement. Always be willing to move deeper!! -- Just my two cents. Happy Hump Day! J

Peace & love,

MSB

P.S. SAVE THE DATE >>> A DIPR Contemporary Wkshp !!

When: LABOR DAY (Sunday, September 4^th) 6-9pm @ Gibney Dance (280 Broadway)  

Stay tuned for upcoming posts!

Visit movedipr.org for more info about this incredible organization!

Follow us on Instagram! @movedipr @difned

Different

Good morning beautiful people! ☀       

Let’s talk a little bit about doubt. Self-doubt to be specific. Why we have it, how it manifests, the whole nine. Doubt by definition means “a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction; to be afraid of.” In a society such as the one we live in, it’s inevitable for artists to compare themselves to one another. We all do it. You see something or someone great, and you want to be great too. Or you want what they have. This in turn makes us question or doubt our own capabilities and capacity to be great. 

So, first thing's first. STOP COMPARING. I read a quote once that said: The presence of their beauty is not the absence of yours. I continue to remind myself of that each and every day.

Secondly, distinguish between what's real and what isn't. Society gives us every reason to doubt ourselves. Displaying images of misconceptions of beauty and making those who are different feel disadvantaged. All of that is just unnecessary noise. Pay no attention to it. This should light a fire under you. Listen to the voice inside your soul and let this motivate you to commit to your craft whole-heartedly, and you will see results. Embrace your different. Embrace your voice.

And finally, BE-YOU-tiful!

Peace & love,

MSB

Stay tuned for upcoming posts!

Visit movedipr.org for more info about this incredible organization!

Follow us on Instagram! @movedipr @difned

Not Yet, but Soon

         As creators of art and movement, PATIENCE IS KEY. In fact, it is everything. We live in a fast-paced world, but we must learn how and when to remove ourselves from the hustle and bustle of all that lies around us. We must pay attention to what lies WITHIN US. The more patient we are, the more space opens up for us to envelop. This allows us to connect to our deeper selves and evolve into who we're destined to be as artists.

         It is so easy for us to get frustrated with what isn't working, or with the progress we're not seeing. And that's okay! Those are the moments we must pay attention to. We must be patient with our growth, our successes, our failures, and the goals we set for ourselves. Time is precious, and it will be on our side if we let it. We just have to know what to do with it, and how to use it to our advantage. It's a powerful thing, and it can heal a lot of things. Pain. Injury. Heartache. Longing. You name it. But we can't spend each day fighting what is. Instead, we have to grab hold of time, onto creativity, and soar. In doing so, we discover the freedom resting at our fingertips.

Sooo.... JOIN US!

In staying patient. Staying creative. Staying aware.

Take a step back, breathe, harness your power, and begin to MOVE DEEPER!

Peace & love,

MSB

P.S. You won't want to miss Dionna's LAST CLASS at Steps on Broadway NYC TOMORROW, 8/9 @ 7:45pm!!

Come, sweat, and learn some dope street jazz! Visit her IG for other save-the-dates! xo

Stay tuned for upcoming posts! 

Visit movedipr.org for more info about this incredible organization!

Follow us on Instagram! @movedipr @difned

The Mirror Is Not You

         Read that again. And again. Repeat it to yourself until you believe that it’s true. As dancers, we spend almost all of our time in front of a mirror. In some instances, this can be very informative, especially when we’re working on alignment in technique classes. But the mirror can just as easily become a crutch. If we allow ourselves to rely on it more than we should, it can be the very reason why our artistry isn’t progressing. We can't allow ourselves to depend on it so much, that when it's not there, our bodies go into shock. Mirrors are false sources of validation. It is a two dimensional reflection of three dimensional beings in space. Therefore, we must train ourselves to look past it, instead of allowing it to affect how we view ourselves and our bodies.

SO... my advice? Get out of the mirror, and get into your body. Get in tune with it. Listen to it. Listen to what it needs, and give it just that. Embrace the space that you dance in every day. Embrace the world you move through. Become one with your surroundings, and begin to notice how your artistic experiences change. You have the power to transform not only your dancing, but your human experience. See beyond the mirror…look DEEPER.

Peace & love,

MSB

Stay tuned for upcoming posts! 

Visit movedipr.org for more info about this incredible organization!

Follow us on Instagram! @movedipr @difned

I Am My Body, You Are Yours

SO, 

This issue has been raised a lot. Especially in the dance world. This notion that there is an ideal body type for dance. Well we at MOVEDIPR are here to tell you that looking skinny is not the same as being healthy. There is no "perfect" body, because perfection does not exist. Human beings are comprised of ALL shapes, sizes, colors, you name it. Look around you. Dance, art, and self-expression are not meant for one kind of body, or type of person, because each and every one of us has something unique and special to share with the world. Therefore, we must work together to tackle this misconception. Who's with me?

Body image is a HUGE concern for dancers, and will continue to be as society progresses and advancements are made in the industry. Taking care of our bodies is crucial, because we rely on them daily to live, breathe, and move. But having a healthy instrument doesn't mean looking skinny. It means feeling good about yourself and your lifestyle choices. It's about your muscles, your bones, your internal organs. All that stuff on the inside. Your heart, your soul. Therefore, this will feel and look different for everyone. 

As someone who is very passionate about this topic, I can't stress this enough to the dancers, athletes, and movers everywhere. Your body is your home. You are free to decorate it however you'd like, and take care of it however you deem fit. Don't let images, or voices force you to believe that there is something wrong with your home. The only one living there, is you. 

P.S. My dearest apologies for being MIA these past few weeks, but I'm here now, back and better than ever! Let's continue to think DEEPER together!

Peace & love,

MSB

Stay tuned for more posts 😊 

Visit movedipr.org for more info about this incredible organization!

Follow us on Instagram! @movedipr

FEAR

Fear.

Where does it come from?

Why do we have it?

What are we afraid of?

These are questions that every artist should be asking themselves. Fear can be a disease. A roadblock. A setback. But here’s the good news: fear is 100% normal. It is something that we must recognize before it impacts our success. Let’s look a little deeper.

Most often, fear is the evil cousin of uncertainty. Uncertainty about the future, about one’s own ability as a creator, whatever it may be. Fear involves some sort of apprehension towards the unknown. So, how can we battle this? What can we do to stop fear in its tracks before it plagues our lives? Well, accepting that we’re all scared of something is a good first step. Although it may be different for each person, fear is a universal human trait. As artists, people who often times find themselves seeking the approval from others, it can be comforting to know that those people walking the streets, sitting at the other side of the table, or in the audience have fear just like you. We are human. And so, if we begin to think about our lives in that way, the fears we may have possessed before, might just begin to disappear. Being afraid of things is normal, so we must accept these feelings in order to move forward. Shared fear can be a source of connection. Of strength. Of healing. If we let it.

Dive DEEPER into your fears and discover all of the amazing things that can happen when you are 100%, unapologetically yourself!  

Peace & love,

MSB

Stay tuned for more posts 😊 

Visit movedipr.orgfor more info about this incredible organization!

Follow us on Instagram! @movedipr

THE TAKEOVER

HELLO WORLD,

Mikaela Brandon here, the newest member of the MD Fam! 😊

In the upcoming weeks, I will be the voice behind the entity known as movedipr. What do you need to know about me? I am ambitious, eager, and have a whole lot to say!! But this isn't just a page to rant about my feelings towards dance and art in today’s world. This new edition of MDvoice is for collecting/sharing ideas and expanding a vision. The vision of MOVEDIPR. Created by Dionna PridGeon, movedipr is a brand designed to celebrate contemporary and street styles, encouraging artists to develop their voices. As human beings, as movers, as manipulators of space and time, we are capable of so much more than we know. And so, it is time for us unlock the power that lies DEEP within each and every one of us. Who’s ready?!

Stay tuned for upcoming posts! 

Visit movedipr.org for more info about this incredible organization!

Follow us on Instagram! @movedipr

Peace & love, 

MSB