Hello, Hello

Editors’ Letters – Trying

Hello. It’s us again. Finally.

The theme of this issue is TRYING, inspired by many things, including, but not limited to the sentiment of: WOW isn’t it so hard to be alive?

There is trying at being alive, being in it, in these trying times. There is trying at being in community, contributing to community, remaining in it. There is trying in dance, in improvising, in technique, in uncomfortable situations and through strange dry periods. There is trying in continuing, staying in it, making still and making more. There is probably no such thing as good art without trying. And it is wild to try so diligently, so passionately, at something that is temporary, fleeting, undervalued and underpaid. Being a dancer is a committing to trying. And committing to continuing to try and try, for the foreseeable future.

I am grateful to be surrounded by dancers and choreographers who have shown me by example, that trying long and hard enough can lead to living and dancing in a way that barely looks like trying at all. We began this zine as a way to open and deepen conversation within our community, to hear more from these brilliant artists that are already surrounding us. We offer you here, more words from artists we love. They give us their perspectives on trying, as well as responses to current shows, current fashion, current moments in these trying times.

JULIA GAVIN BITHER

Earlier this week, I was talking to a friend about a plan we have to go on a double date to see a dance show. We talked about how their partner wasn’t exactly sold and didn’t know if they wanted to go. I saw the bravery in trying, and as I write this I am struck with deep gratitude to the audiences who decided to sample this mysterious thing we call dance.

Trying doesn’t lead to success. The only guarantee is experience. Try and fail. Risk and lose. Maybe through an accumulation of tryings, something happens. It can be an expression of perseverance, or else a way to describe dark times. Sometimes it is a taste, a low risk sample of something you may grow to love.
These days I’m using the frame “just trying” to lower the stakes when they seem too high. Nothing and no one was ever perfect so don’t expect yourself to be either. Do your best, unless you can’t. Then just try.

In terms of the zine, Good Job, Julia and I are still experimenting. Figuring out how much to sell an ad for, how to ask people to write, how to make a new thing happen. Hopefully we’re learning from what we are trying.

Let us know what you think – readgoodjob@gmail.com.

EBEN KOWLER

Good Job is sponsored by “The Business behind Creativity” Monicat Data.