Dangling: This poem was inspired by the photo I took (iPhone 13 Pro Max) of one of the lead dancers after the opening night of a modern ballet by Carlo Calma titled ‘Diyosa’ an adaptation of Philippine Mythology’s gods and goddesses alive in nature.
Dangling a poem by James Navé
When you dangle, do you barely belong or dangle
larger-than-life? "May I have this dance?" Magic words
to shy people in large rooms who officially say they want
you to ignore them, but like snowdrops on steady gaze days,
I'll bet shy people love to dance. Can we open our wings
in the longing mist? Listen, do you hear the sea off
the Irish coast? There are no cracks in the third position.
The night belongs to those blue dreams sky danglers know
in the moments when twists and spins become long
and lines make circles in the laughing air.
From the Program
"Carlo Calma’s 'Diyosa' is a full- length contemporary ballet adaptation of Philippine Mythology’s gods and goddesses alive in nature. This Ballet Philippines' world premiere is a story about fantasy set in a dreamy, mythical world but rooted in strong Filipino culture and heritage and even a bit of Pinoy humor. To be relevant with the times and to empower future generations, (generations a hundred years from now, in fact), the ethos of sustainability will be a focus, sending a clear message about climate change and its effects on the world. Fun and entertaining, with eclectic god characters, it will fuse fashion, art, music, and architecture with the magicalpower of dance.”
