Monday 13 April 2009

A meaningful life


Could it be that a deeper meaning is found to life by being a branch on a tree: by joining in with something larger than the individual? Judging from the happiness that spread from each venue of the National Folk Festival in Canberra over Easter, this has to be a distinct possibility. This was a community in action.

Tripping the light fantastic was a favoured past-time: from Scottish Reels, to Colonial Sets, through Dutch Crossings, and via Argentinian Tangos to English Morris Dancers. Faces beamed with delight, even as they flushed with effort all the while converting strangers to friends.

8 comments:

brattcat said...

Ah, and I'm just about to go off contra-dancing. We could have such an interesting discussion about this, Julie. Forming community to create good is something immeasurably joyful.

Lowell said...

Looks like an old-fashioned hoe-down! Square dancing?

Lots of fun! Very colorful photo!

PJ said...

It looks wonderful, Julie, such joy.
What do you use for your collages?

Ann said...

The first photo is wonderful. Love the way you have the stillness of one person in focus and the movement of the rest. I really want to try something like that but not sure how.

Ann said...

Re your sentiments, I felt something similar last night at the Opera House. I went alone but as the whole audience stood, clapped, whooped and danced in the aisles, me amongst them, I certainly felt part of a much larger whole, surrounded by friends I'd never met before. Never thought I'd dance in the aisle of the Concert Hall at the Opera House. Anjelique Kidjo was extraordinary. Tinariwen tonight should be interesting. There were some interesting people around but it wasn't possible to photograph at the time.

Ann said...

PPS: You'd love the atmosphere at Womad.

Julie said...

Ann, it was a matter of perseverance! Once I had one, I realised that with the colour and the movement I just might end up with something useable. So I took quite a few ensuring that I was framing carefully to get the colour behind the band. I also only shot when the reel was moving at its maximum. The person standing still and apparently alone and isolated, was pure serendipity. As Peter hates me saying: another lucky shot.

Joan Elizabeth said...

I have been reflecting on the very thought of community this weekend ... country towns exude community.