When I was younger, I remember moments where my mother would dance, no matter what was happening. It became a ritual - dancing to feel good. A way to escape. It always has been. In that moment - as you dance - the only thing that matters is your two feet, two arms, and body swaying to the beats that accompany soulful words. I’m dedicating this to my mother - through all of the trials and tribulations that she has dealt with. Through everything, she continued to dance.
Text by Le’Andra LeSeur
Documentation and Images by Joshua Solas
Day 9 Recap
"Dance, when you're broken up. Dance, if you've torn the bandage off. Dance in the middle of fighting. Dance in your blood. Dance when you're perfectly free."
Sincerely, PEP
I danced and danced and danced some more. It was a beautiful day. Yes, I couldnt feel my legs after 8 hours straight of dancing but as each song came on thoughts of my mother dancing with a smile on her face overwhelmed me with joy and I just kept going
What does black joy look like? We talk about it but do we actually feel it? Its when you feel pain but you reach for that feeling of euphoria instead. It’s a smile. It’s a positive outlook. Its what feeling free is like.
I never thought of myself as a dancer. I can hold a two step but for some reason during those 8 hours I caught something. It was like my mom grabbed me and proceeded to do the hustle. And I just followed....
I guess what I’m trying to say is follow the path to feeling free - to feeling joy. No matter how uncomfortable or awkward that is. Just do it. It’s so worth it.
I’ll say this again - thank you Ma. You are my joy. You are my inspiration. You are my everything. Thank you for teaching me what its like to be free. To dance when no one else is dancing. To just be.
Love.
Text by Le’Andra LeSeur
Documentation and Images by Joshua Solas
