Note to Self
january 3
uncover the spine
Dear Self,
I already know that Twyla Tharp’s THE CREATIVE HABIT will be one of those books you revisit again and again. Each chapter is so full of inspiration that’s not only relevant for your artistic practice and craft, but for other areas of life. My mind is buzzing every time I read it. So, thanks, jury duty for giving me several hours where I could finally finish the book (cue that song, “And I’m proud to be an American…”).
As a way to activate another book, Jim Kwik’s LIMITLESS, where he suggests reading something to be able to teach it… I’m going to reflect on one of the lessons from THE CREATIVE HABIT.
I read this book and immediately thought, “I didn’t know I needed this.”
There are so many beloved books on my list that are about the craft. Elizabeth Gilbert’s BIG MAGIC, Austin Kleon’s STEAL LIKE AN ARTIST, Steven Pressfield’s THE WAR OF ART, and even Paulo Cuhelho’s THE ALCHEMIST… I return to these again and again. There are plenty more about the actual techniques, perhaps in a future reflection.
But in reflecting why I felt like I needed this at this time, at this stage is that I was feeling like I was stagnant. Without actively working on a show as an actor, how else could I work on my skills? While I was associate directing a new musical adaptation, how could I continue that momentum and continue associate directing on other projects? In the midst of directing for an elementary school musical production, how could I continue strengthening how I can better coach these young students?
Twyla Tharp’s got a response to all of this. So many responses, in fact, I’m challenging myself to not get overwhelmed (happens a lot) and eventually, choose to do nothing (she definitely talks about this). Pulling in yet another key learning from another coach I love, Jen Kem, choosing one key takeaway is important and potent when combined with action.
My focus is going to be on the “Spine.” There’s a lot that Twyla Tharp talks about in the book, but I’m choosing to think about 2 dimensions of the spine. First, is the spine of any creative endeavor. My interpretation of her concepts in the book are that every story, project, or character has something buried under the surface. Uncover this, and keep it at the center of your artistic work. This is particularly present for me as I continue on my work with ARISTOCATS KIDS, where working with “beginners” means that I have to be extra organized and succinct. A skill I’m still working on, trust and believe that.
Secondly, is remembering MY spine. When I think spine, I think strength. I think elongation–probably thanks to all the acting, body, and movement classes ever. The spine, the back, and everything around it is so central. The metaphorical application is great too, with thinking of the “get a backbone” or “straighten your spine” ideas. It makes me feel sturdy when I remember my spine. When I feel expansive, my back straightens and I immediately feel more confident. I’ll take more of that feeling, please.
Speaking of which. Lift your eyes. Take a breath in. Shoulders back and away from your ears. Pay attention to your spine.
Long Love,
Your Self
about mara
Mara Palma is a teaching and performing artist who helps young people develop their leadership skills through creative expression and imagination as they gain the self-confidence to share their Stand-Out Stories with their communities.
Mara graduated from Wellesley College with a dual degree in Theatre Studies and Political Science, where she contributed a piece to The Wellesley Globalist. She has taught students and educators through in-person and online workshops with the AVPA Theatre at Culver City High School, Center Theatre Group in LA, the Seattle Theater Group, and Campbell Hall’s Creative Arts Academy. Her proudest accomplishments include working to launch after-school musical theater clubs in Seattle and Los Angeles through the Disney Musicals in Schools program. Mara’s work as a performer has been featured in The Seattle Times, Broadway World Seattle, Drama in the Hood, and NWAsian Weekly.
She is passionate to discuss how the arts should be accessible to more BIPOC youth and the performing arts’ capacity to build personal growth, leadership, and teamwork for our young future world leaders.