Lovin’ those Constraints

In the Creative Habit, Twyla Tharp tells of two of experiences in her vast repertoire of brilliant choreography that are a sharp lesson in appreciating creative constraints.

In the first she was given unlimited resources:  any dancer she wanted  from the New York City Ballet – some of the best dancers in the world, all the rehearsal time she needed, and whatever musicians she wanted.  To sum up a good story: “…it’s not my favorite or my best work, and I’ll never be able to think about it without remembering the pains of the process… A perfect plan for disaster.”

Six weeks later, she was making a new ballet for the American Ballet Theater and the circumstances were “ideally horrible”.  The opposite of NYC Ballet’s carte blanche.

Two weeks to mount a ballet from start to finish, minimal budget, no fixed rehearsal times outside of the two weeks, all principal dancers committed elsewhere, and the only dress/technical rehearsal scheduled for ninety minutes the afternoon of the world premier.

The circumstances demanded total self-reliance and exquisite planning.  She considers the piece the most satisfying ballet of her career.

Whom the gods wish to destroy, they give unlimited resources. — Twyla Tharp

The lesson here is to, as my mother used to say,  “use the gifts God gave you.”  Stop waiting around for whatever it is you’re waiting for:  more money, less weight, the right time, more time, a strategic plan, a better idea, clear instructions, permission, the planets to align.

Creativity thrives on constraints.  Without them we have nothing to react to, bump up against and challenge our status quo.

But obstacles don’t just increase the possibilities of perception – they also expand our conceptual scope, allowing us to consider a greater range of possibilities and ideas.  — Jonah Lehrer

I love the constraints of haiku poetry.  Three lines.  The first and third have 5 syllables, the middle gets seven.  Must have a nature metaphor.  There is a universe of creative possibility within.

This is spring.  New growth

No waiting for permission

Bursting forth its gifts

The time is now.  You have all the resources you need.  Be grateful. Get started.

What will you get started?

One Response to “Lovin’ those Constraints”

1. DeAnn Foster says:

   March 28, 2012 at 4:01 pm

   I want to get started on today…not trying to fix the past or looking into the future with hope of change. Just today, I want to be joyful in this minute, for me and for my kids. I want to be happy for what is now. I have the resources for this (my health, a smile, friends, great kids), it is spring the perfect time for new things, new plans. This will be a gift for myself —-just to be happy for this minute:)))))

   Reply