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Open Poetry #35
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the Lipizzaners dance
| Open Poetry #35 |
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the Lipizzaners dance |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia 
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With the gentlest touch of a simple beechwood whip (symbolic of the rider’s modesty), the riders of the magnificent white Lipizzaners train to dance together to the tunes of the old classical masters. When they enter the arena, the gold bridle glitters; and the glint is reflected in the eyes and smiles of the beholders. Time stands still, they say, for the Lipizzaners of Vienna, and The Spanish Riding School. That crowning moment takes years and years and thousands of hours of training, in order to perform this classical equestrian dance. Behold the beauty of... the passage, the pirouette, the capriole, the piaffe, the pas de deux, when two stallions with riders mirror each other’s movements, dancing in synchronicity. And the quadrille, a magnificent choreographed dance of horses and riders, a beautiful formal equestrian ballet. It’s an intimate display of the ultimate understanding between a horse and rider, a ballet of connectedness, a vision of propulsion (with modesty) which mirrors the dynamic dualities of life; a dance of give, and take, a harmony of opposites, in synchronicity, with mutual respect. Time stands still, they say, for the Lipizzaners of Vienna, and the Spanish Riding School. ~May they dance forever~ * Dedicated to: My daughter Sara and her trainers, Dr. Thomas and Shana Ritter, who have committed themselves to promoting the Art of Classical Dressage, which benefits both horse and rider in this living breathing art; and in honor of The Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Austria. (And thanking the producers of the video “The First Four Hundred Years” ) some Lipizzaner photos: http://www.classicaldressage.com/horses/adonis.html |
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| © Copyright 2005 Kathleen Kacy Stafford - All Rights Reserved | |||
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inkedgoddess Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-19
Posts 7392Ohio |
sounds like one of those moments of synchronicity when all is right in the world |
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majnu
since 2002-10-13
Posts 1088SF Bay Area |
consilience. wonderful, have never been one for horses, but you words tug at something in my heart. -majnu |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Mish, thanks for reading! Majnu, thanking you, for taking a moment to read and reply. (And hoping Berkeley is treating you well.) |
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WindWalker Senior Member
since 2001-10-12
Posts 1218 |
Yes, your words do tug at something in my heart too. Very well written! |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Thank you, WindWalker! I am delighted that you enjoyed this piece. |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
A charming and delightful write Kacey. Maree  "we all have wings, but some of us don't know why" |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Thanks, Maree. These horses are so cool and intelligent.  |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
They can bring tears to your eyes those horses. I could not believe how incredible they were, and your words honored those wonderful trainers and horses. Well done! |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
Yes, I remember watching them once when I was a kid, truly amazing.  Mxx "we all have wings, but some of us don't know why" |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Wow, you've seen them perform, Sharon? And Maree? Lucky ladies!I've seen videos of the Spanish Riding School performances, and have the pleasure of seeing some wonderful Lipizzaners almost daily *sighing* watching my daughter and the Ritters work with these horses in the classical dressage style. Such a learning experience, a real treat! |
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LeeJ Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296 |
come from a long line of horse breeders, trainers and shows...and the Lipizzaners were always a rare treat, no matter how many times they were in town...nice message, everyone should see them once in their lifetime. |
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Honeybunch Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115South Africa |
Yes, they are truly beautiful and your poem portrays what we should all be aware of. Wonderful message! |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
thanks for sharing Kacy this is special |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Thanks, ladies, for leaving a comment on this one. |
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