Dancing Perfectly Free

Michele Wiles and David Hallberg rehearsing Swan Lake, drawing by Michael Arthur

Happy Days, a New York Times blog about finding satisfaction during the economic downturn, recently featured a post by a professor-turned-freelance artist who spent last month drawing the dancers and staff of American Ballet Theatre (ABT) while they rehearsed for their spring season at the Met.  Michael Arthur’s touching piece describes how he initially focused on his interest in drawing while coping with the loss of several loved ones.  He wrote, “As the losses accumulated, I found that the very act of drawing raised my spirits. I decided that if drawing made me happy when there was no reason in the universe for me to be happy, I had better pay attention to that impulse.”  After moving to New York to pursue his interest in art – and often being in the right place at the right time – he landed at ABT where he admittedly knew nothing about ballet, but recognized the sense of satisfaction and personal fulfillment that drawing brought him.

Arthur’s courageous, inspiring story is a powerful reminder to take risks, follow one’s passion, and be open to new possibilities.  This should particularly resonate with aspiring artists, dancers, musicians, filmmakers, and actors who might be struggling during these troubling times.  Check out Arthur’s piece and some of his drawings at Happy Days.  You can also follow Arthur at his blog, Just Drawn That Way.

Herman Cornejo in rehearsal, drawing by Michael Arthur