You’re Telling Me to… Play?

I remember first being introduced to the concept of play as a tool for creativity. I thought it was so stupid; as an adult I surely could not be asked to pick up some toys and mess around. Slowly though, I’ve changed my mind. 

On Miami’s campus, I am currently choreographing a dance for my student organization—a role that requires a lot of creativity. I’ve been frequently utilizing improvisation during this process. I will turn on music and just dance. The movements I like from these sessions become integrated into the piece, and the other ones are tossed. 

This is a form of playfulness, is it not? I made this connection in hindsight, and suddenly everything clicked into place. Going into the process with no goal in mind allowed for organic creation. I could let my imagination run wild with no repercussions. Nothing had to be “good” yet. Plus, getting up and moving my body worked much better than intellectually trying to envision a string of dance steps. 

I would encourage any aspiring creative to utilize playfulness as part of their ideation process. As I eventually realized, there’s no shame in being silly sometimes. Silence that voice of judgment! 

By: Livia Zuesi 

Major: Accountancy 

Hometown: Galena, OH 

Fun Fact: I once had a chunk of my eyelashes ripped out.