Reflection

Reflection

The world is filled with tragedies and disheartening news, especially when the ocean is involved. It’s important to be aware of the harmful issues our ocean is facing, but it’s equally essential to remember the hope that drives us forward. I hoped to remind viewers of the creativity and innovative solutions that are coming from places of shadow and bringing light back to the ocean. My personal hope was inspired by two incredible actions—the restoration of coral reefs by Mote Marine Labs and the banning of plastic bags across the world. There are so many hopeful stories, but these two inspired my passion for the ocean and additionally my passion for dance. I tried to convey the stories through my dance movements, but also with other symbolism. With the coral reefs, I hoped as I painted the blank outline of a reef, the colors and dance, would express the joy this project has brought to my world. As for the plastic bag bans, I used a cloth bag to remind others of its importance and try to use dance to demonstrate how beautiful its use truly is. There is still much work to do to help the ocean, but we’ve accomplished a lot through our inventiveness, originality, and ingenuity. For me, I contribute to ocean activism through writing and dance, and I hope by using these talents I was able to expressively share the hopeful and inspirational ways others are contributing too.