Ty Alexander Cheng

I can feel a shift in awareness. Adaptation poses to be a greater challenge than I had anticipated. Sometimes ones desire to experience unfamiliar adventures supersedes ones understanding of the tools necessary to free flow. I've found myself inside the realization of how embedded I am in the way I live my life, the things that I am accustomed to, my habits, and my expectations.

I have never observed or witnessed the level of desperation that exists in this region of the world. Here in Bangladesh, I am deeply saddened by the circumstances for which most of these people are faced with; not knowing where their next meal will come, where to get water, where to bathe, where to urinate, etc. I am amazed and admirable to the resourcefulness of a people to survive; together. In Dhaka, resources are slim, but people focus on what they are able to provide for one another, rather than the limitations that may be presented. Against all the odds, I have experienced nothing but altruism, lovingkindness, compassion, love, understanding, elegance, enthusiasm, abundance, and hope in a place that might present otherwise. Here, it's not about presentation, it's about a deep authentic experience enriched in substance. Nothing lacks excitement or spontaneity in this place of dense activity and vibration.

Inside the "Self," there's change, and then there's transformation. I don't believe in metaphysical change for that the totality of our soul is already in existence. The transformation that I am experiencing, is the result of exposure to the students enthusiasm and openness to new and unfamiliar ideas of expression. Every day I am reminded to be more and more myself, just as I am. Accepting that I am complete, just as I am. Therefore, accepting the world, just as it is. It has helped me to not judge, evaluate, or analyze the uncomfortable things that I have encountered and witnessed, but rather accept that we are all a web of relationships connected beyond our understanding.

Kindness doesn't even begin to describe the generosity of our hosts. I am grateful for the meals, the transportation, the constant support and offerings of snacks and water during the day, the smiles, the joy despite any internal conflicts that may be in progress, and the constant loving attitude even when faced with opposition. One wouldn't even consider that there is a huge conflict going on in this country by the behavior and attitude of these resilient and focused people. Once they step into the studio, it's all about connection, dance, transferred information/knowledge/wisdom, and exchange; finding mutual understand. There's eagerness, hunger, drive, tenacity, willingness, and explorational trust to venture into the unfamiliar.

In my experience here, for just the short time visited, "yours" and "mine" doesn't exist. "Ours" is the only concept/philosophy/ideology/way of life I've encountered. "We" matters here, and it's essential to their identity. I feel "at home", a metaphysical home that I've been yearning and longing for for quite some time. I feel peace, as I'm more comfortable with silencing the turbulence that so often occupies my mind, distracting me from returning to the me I've always desired to be. So often I allow myself to change over and over again like the "Scenery" in life. I've been empowered to be the "Seer," while everything changes around me; to stay true to my core values, and listen to my intuition; to be an abstract non-linear thinker over being a rational linear thinker. I'm also trusting, more and more, my physical intelligence as its expanding my communicative capabilities.

The greatest lesson I've learned during my time here, is give more and take less. Do less and accomplish more. Do nothing and accomplish everything. Silence and stillness is essential to growth just as much as hard work. Thus far, finding meditation to be a part of my daily practice, has been the most spiritually hydrating experience in my journey. 

I thank the brilliant and inspiring students of the Dance Motion USA Bangladesh workshops, and I hope that this is just the beginning to their bright and lasting careers as artists. YOU have forever changed my life.

Everything is moving so quickly. I lie here in bed collecting my thoughts, reflecting on the events that have been taking place. There is a great sense of happening rushing over me. I’ve discovered that whether or not you are aware of these happenings, it happens anyways. I realize that no matter how much I analyze it, these experiences have deeply affected the way I think about culture, tradition, dance, and the way I view my own path in serving humanity. It has truly been an exchange in that I have been just as deeply impacted as much as we might be impacting those participating in these workshops, these laboratories of learning.

I’m loving the curiosity from both cultures of “the other,” and how quickly your whole idea, definition, or stereotype of “the other” is instantly shattered when you share a simple smile, when you watch a young person express their joy through movement, or when you acknowledge that you have similar passions. I’m impressed by the Nepali students’ courage and confidence. So far, in these workshops, willingness, openness, and eagerness mixed with enthusiasm, has been the key ingredient for providing a quality experience that we all can receive value from. I’ve observed a hunger from the students to learn new things, and become competent in unfamiliar styles, and new ways of thinking about movement.

 It’s so cool to have returning students. Two participants in particular from a workshop on Monday, showed up at the Nepal Music Center on Tuesday (Genisha and Bishal) to dance with us again. They both are incredible Hip Hop dancers. I was thrilled to see that Spectrum Dance Theater had such an impact on them, that they came back to have another experience. It was awesome to see familiar faces, and to make new friends half way around the world.

 This experience has been HUGE, and any other synonym with HUGE. It’s been so dense and potent in it’s substance. It requires a tremendous amount of focus and stamina. I hope that we keep working hard and build from each workshop, as we get clearer and clearer about the approach. Believe it or not we are learning about each other, the uniqueness of our own individuality, and the differences in culture and tradition. Most importantly, I hope we have fun while we move forward.

 Being in Nepal, my senses are being challenged. I’m extremely unfamiliar with the dense atmosphere when inhaling the thick polluted air. I’ve notice my body clinch up when driving in close proximity to the vehicles. I’ve seen cows and monkeys walking down the street. I’ve noticed new sounds, one being the crows, and how different it is from the ones in America. Even the sunrise captivated me, providing a soothing energy I have yet to receive anywhere else in the world.

...Of course I'd be packing at 3am the same morning i am leaving for the trip of a life time. If I did it any other way, I think I'd be breaking tradition. The self tradition of waiting till' the last minute to pack. No worries though, I had an exactly 23 kilo check in bag, a carry on bag with college course material I have to finish while on tour, as well as my computer so I could blog and do homework. Little did I know I'd soon be missing my luggage at my final destination. arrrgghhhhhh.

So it was 9 hours from Seattle to London. It felt like Christmas morning, when you are waiting to wake up and receive your gift. I tried my damnedest to sleep, but anxiety and excitement kept me awake for most of the trip. It was the gift of wonder, curiosity, activity, and mystery. After getting off the second 9 hour flight, London to Delhi, we had a little scare. We almost didn't make our connection flight, possibly delaying us at least 12 hours, as the next flight after the one we almost missed was booked out solid. They did their best and got us on the plane. We were off, and when we arrived at the Nepal airport, the only thing I could do is wonder where my luggage was. I still don't have it a day later, and am really worried I might be without all of my belongings for this massive trip. But, I have faith it will show up in the morning.

It was amazing to arrive in such a foreign place with our dance company, filling out visa's and immigration forms. It was interesting to see my colleagues in this context, outside of HOME. I felt at peace knowing I am here with them. We have our disagreements and frustrations when working within our small group for a long period of time, but as soon as we exited the plane we immediately became family. It's a whole other world out here. When I took a step outside, 90 percent of the fear and anxiety about my bag went away. I couldn't believe what I was seeing!