PoisedBook #2: "My Life", by Isadora Duncan

PoisedBook of the Month is a space to share one book each month that has inspired, challenged, or transformed me in some way. This is all about deepening our understanding of life, creativity, and resilience through powerful stories and ideas.

"My Life" by Isadora Duncan

Some books don't just tell a story. They reach into your soul, shake you, and remind you of who you are at your core. My Life by Isadora Duncan is one of those books for me. Isadora wasn't just a dancer — she was a force of nature, a visionary who redefined movement and freedom.

I have studied Isadora Duncan's technique, philosophy, and artistry. I still remember the first time I watched Elisabeth Schwartz, one of the legendary Isadorables, perform in Athens under the direction of Jérôme Bel. It was breathtaking — pure, unfiltered dance that resonated with something deep inside me. And then, stepping into the House of Dance of Isadora Duncan in Athens was an experience beyond words. Being surrounded by the largest archive of her life's work, feeling the energy of that space — it was as if her spirit was still there, whispering through the walls.

Dancing Isadora's technique made me feel free in a way I had never felt before. It stripped away all the rigidity and expectations I had internalized from years of classical training. It was about breath, emotion, connection to the earth. I've shared some glimpses of my classes on TikTok, but nothing compares to the feeling of truly surrendering to movement the way she envisioned it.

Here are five lessons I learned from My Life and why I believe everyone should read it:

1. Art is Rebellion

Isadora refused to conform. She rejected the rigid constraints of ballet, the expectations of society, and even the traditional paths of success. She danced barefoot when it was unheard of. She lived as she pleased, loved who she loved, and pursued art without compromise. Her life teaches us that true artistry is about breaking the mold and daring to create on our own terms.

2. The Body is an Instrument of Expression

Isadora's philosophy was that dance should not be about steps, but about emotions flowing through the body. Reading her words made me reflect on my own journey as a dancer. How often have I fought against my own body, trying to force it into something instead of letting it speak? She reminds us that movement is an extension of the soul.

3. Tragedy and Beauty Coexist

Her life was filled with both immense joy and profound heartbreaking loss. Yet, she never let tragedy consume her spirit. She kept creating, kept moving forward. This resonated with me deeply, especially as someone who has had to navigate setbacks and injuries. Pain and beauty often exist side by side, and art is a way to process both.

4. Women Can Be Fearless and Unapologetic

Isadora lived on her own terms, at a time when women had far fewer rights and freedoms. She took lovers without shame, and carved out a career that no woman before her had dared to pursue. Her story is a testament to the power of women who refuse to be placed in a box.

5. Freedom is a State of Being

Perhaps the most powerful lesson I took from this book is that freedom isn't just about circumstances — it's about how we choose to live. Isadora didn't just seek freedom in her movement; she embodied it in every part of her life. And that is something I strive to carry with me every day.

Reading My Life was like having a conversation with a kindred spirit. If you've ever felt constrained — by society, by expectations, by your own fears — this book is a reminder that you can break free. You can create, you can live, you can dance in a way that is uniquely yours.

I'd love to hear your thoughts if you've read it or decide to, because art, like life, is meant to be shared. See ya!