"If art is the bridge between what you see in your mind and what the world sees, then skill is how you build that bridge." -Twyla Tharp

When I was younger, dance was my passion. I spent more hours at my dance studio and at dance competitions than I did at my own house. However, I was forced to give that all away when I chose to attend the high school I did. There was not enough time to complete all my academic work and be at my dance studio for almost 30 hours per week like I was required to. Although I was heartbroken, it was the right decision. After reading the first three chapters Twyla Tharp’s The Creative Habit, all of those feelings towards dance came back to me. Her outlook on her passion and creativity resonate so much with me.

She describes creativity as a fearless act. The idea of creating something out of nothing is frightening to many people. That is what often detours people away from their own creativity. They are simply too afraid. They are afraid to determine their own destiny and afraid to allow their own inner creativity to become a part of their identity. Just as a researcher works tirelessly to find solutions to our world’s problems, artists constantly have to work their brains as well. Your mind is your creative muscle. Your mind allows you make that something out of nothing. In my own life I am often too afraid to try new things. Personally and academically, everyone prefers their comfort zone but being truly creative puts you outside it. I believe that’s what ultimately separates the thinkers from the go-getters.

Tharp explains how only with hard work, will a person obtain the best creativity. That is why creativity is a habit. It is a strong and developed work habit. There are necessary preparations and rituals to nurture our own creativity. Everything in our lives is relevant and could be used towards our own creativity. We just need to see it. These rituals in our lives keep us from giving up and allow us not to question why we do it. I have my own rituals that I never realized until I read this book. Everyday I wake up, go straight to the bathroom and wash my face. When I wash my face I feel renewed to start my day. It is my own ritual but it allows me to move forward and not mop through the day.

I had no problem reading The Creative Habit because it is has such universal ideals. Whether you are a dancer or not, her strategies could be put into practice in anyone’s life. This book has opened my eyes to my own inner creativity. It has given me concrete ways to bring out that creativity from within. I absolutely love this book and I am eager to see what other valuable lessons it will teach me.