A Dance to New Beginnings

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When I was around 7 years old I had a ceramic ballerina lamp beside my bed. One morning I noticed a cocoon was hanging from the ballerina’s arm. I checked on it frequently, nervous that I would miss the extraordinary moment when the cocoon would crack and a beautiful butterfly would emerge from it. When the day finally arrived a few weeks later, I watched as this incredible winged creature freed itself from its transforming captivity. Imagine my disappointment when it was just a gray moth but the experience has stuck with me none the less. It sat there wet and seemingly small for quite some time, but slowly , as it dried its wings unraveled and spread. It was huge. And then it just flew away prepared to experience a whole different life.

Different tribes have different interpretations for the Fancy Shawl Dance but for most it is a symbol of a butterfly breaking free from its cocoon. It is a dance that symbolizes beauty, a new life and opportunity and hope.

The Fancy Shawl Dance symbolizes:

• Strength.
• Joy.
• Healing.
• Cultural continuity.
• The vitality of Native women.

How is this painting relevant to you? Are you currently trying to make changes in your life? Is life stretching you and you know you have to grow in order to thrive? Or even just survive? Can she help you do it? Can she remind you of who you are and what you are capable of? 

This dance is a reminder that new beginnings are not only possible but a natural and necessary part of our mortal experience.