Aim Skyward

Aim Skyward's four dancers embody the archetypal figure of The Archer in this site-specific film evoking the feminist history of Central Park's famous Bethesda fountain. This work proclaims that the healing capacities of nature, such as photosynthesis and blooming flowers, are of the very same beautiful creative essence as our own free will and creative agency. The archer's preparation, release, and impact are meditative philosophies to guide our movements through achieving our goals. Aim Skyward’s choreographies are situated alongside three quotes from "The Way of the Bow" by Paulo Coelho, and this work is accompanied by my own poem, “Sky-born."

V. Sky-born
Archer, in premise near
arrow flutters forward–

bitter poison
lost to wind
as runner’s breath
and distant cries
in thin-winged descent.

Skyline softens
into veined constellations
O heliotrope bloom, steady my draw–
guide me toward fletched doves
who roost in wind-worn rafters
along vine-tangled roads

Summon me back
to the soil of care, yielding humility.
Cirrus petals catching dawn
innocent precipice of rainbow

quiet drawback, taut string and arms
aim my fashioned weapon, breathy
release into circular destiny
arc of uncharted return

Read the 14-poem chapbook Sky-born is excerpted from here:
https://lilyselthofner.com/revenant-a...

Music:
Maurice Ravel — Daphnis et Chloé, Suite No. 2: Lever du jour
Donovan – Celeste
Flea - love love love
David Flaherty - Gift of Green
Alabaster DePlume – Prayer for my Sovereign Dignity
Lael Neale – Sliding Doors & Warm Summer Roses
Rosie Lowe & Duval Timothy – Son
Weyes Blood – Used to Be
Quotes from Paulo Coelho - The Way of the Bow