May 20, 2020

2:59pm, Pool Number Two, Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD

I used to dance in a dance collective. We worked on a dance film at this site back in 2014. I've loved this site ever since. It's a filled in swimming pool with a history connected to racial segregation in Baltimore.

"For over four decades in the early twentieth century, Druid Hill Park functioned under a policy of racial segregation. The park was heavily used during these years and African-American park users have vivid memories of the tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, and especially 'Pool Number Two.'

As the only outdoor public swimming facility in the City of Baltimore open to black athletes, Pool Number Two served as a training ground for some of the finest competitive swimmers of the era. The lifeguards and young athletes, both men and women, who trained here during summer mornings were compelling role models for the little boys and girls who played under their careful watch when the pool opened to the public at midday..."

I chose this location today because I anticipated it would be a quiet and unpopulated area. Today I did some improv warming up. Feeling and exploring strength in my body. I love the sound of the trees as the wind moves through them. Worked through some thoughts and feelings earlier today with my siblings. I think our conversation readied my body for what felt like a cathartic dance. I can feel the effects of yesterday's yoga practice, especially in my calves. Not a lot of internal judgement coming out today. If only I could switch it off all the time. Or maybe it's not a matter of turning it off but shifting my perspective. I want to dance all day. Now I'm reminiscing about Move Move 2019. Perhaps one thing I will be better at moving forward is savoring moments. Day one hundred forty-one.