Introduction:
There was once a time- before a husband, before two children- when I lived alone with two cats (who still live here) and spent more time in quiet reflection- when I kept up this InMotion blog. My hope and prayer was to share insights- some as a studio director, but mostly as an artist- as an outlet to further explain the depth of meaning that is put into staged pieces but may be missed in the viewing experience. The time period when I posted with most frequency as the spring of 2015, when we first staged “Exodus.” Writing and directing a Scriptural ballet was such a blessed experience and as a result there was a good deal more of my heart that went into that show than previous productions. It was only my fourth recital as director of InMotion and though I had no real plan yet for deciding our future ballet productions, I decided then that we would perform my very favorite ballets every ten years…. and here we are.
It’s hard to believe it’s now ten years later, especially seeing some of our older dancers now, who were little ballerinas in that 2015 show, dancing Cast parts now, and reflecting on the growth of the studio as I work to creatively expand and add ensembles so more can take part. It’s been a new blessing to resurrect this ballet and I want to share with our studio family, some of the thoughts and reflections from the writing of the 2015 show. Due to a hack of our website sometime in the 2017-ish era, my old blog posts were lost, but after some digging this spring through old computer files and internet archives, I’ve been able to find all or most of what I shared then. I pray these insights will not only deepen your experience of our 2025 “Exodus” ballet, but mine as well, as blessed distractions now fill my home. To God be the glory for all we do for Him.
I chose the following to be the first re-post since several members of the InMotion Family gathered to watch “The Prince of Egypt” together this weekend. Once again, I found the writing introduction to the movie to be absolutely beautiful and effective to prepare our hearts for the story
Original post date: Winter 2015
Artistic Interpretation
“The motion picture you are about to see is an adaptation of the Exodus story.
While artistic and historical license has been taken, we believe that this film is true to the essence, values and integrity of a story that is a cornerstone of faith for millions of people worldwide.
The biblical story of Moses can be found in the book of Exodus.”
Though I would define this passage, found at the beginning of the Dreamworks “Prince of Egypt” film, as a disclaimer, I also think it is a beautifully written introduction which causes the viewer to ponder the perspectives with which the story can be perceived, the many variations in the story that go beyond the ancient words, the details that cannot be captured in writing. It challenges one to consider new lessons that come with a different frame of reference.
Interpretation is daunting on certain occasions, simply because no two people interpret anything exactly the same. Interpretation is part of the beauty of humanity, the value in our uniqueness: the fact that we have individuality. This uniqueness of perspective is what we must count as beautiful if we are to appreciate any kind of art. Interpretation is appreciated when it celebrates the beauty of individuality. But interpretation is daunting when it comes to an art such as teaching, how can one teach a concept to multiple individuals in hopes that each will effectively understand the teacher’s own interpretation? Can we match the perception of many people just enough that the true meaning is not lost in our different mindsets?
In the same way, it is daunting when approaching the interpretation of a subject that is central to the deep belief of an audience. I am excited to be doing a story ballet that is Scriptural, a story which has such deep meaning, and which holds so many lessons within. But because of this, I admit I find a Biblical ballet intimidating, because I feel an added burden to capture the heart of the story’s message, a challenge to interpret the story such that God’s Word is further extended to His people. And most of all, I am challenged to further produce this so that it is God who seen and not us, not me.
I know my interpretation in writing this show is different than anybody else’s would be. My choreography for a piece would be different than InMotion’s other teachers will be, and my perception of an audience’s interpretation cannot comprehend the many views that will perceive this story. But I pray that our interpretation reaches people, I pray it touches hearts, I pray it leads us all to ponder further the lessons that are buried in the Scripture we dance out. For that is the purpose of artistic interpretation- to carry a message and promote further reflection.
Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. ~2 Peter 1:20-21
I pray this ballet is carried along by the Holy Spirit.