Hello gang,
Sports and art have evolved and continue to evolve through the ages. Our view of what a sport is, who participates, what venues are available, and all other structures have been shifted as youthful creativity has flourished. The same goes for art… self – expression occurred at one point mostly through paintings, acting, and sculpting but now is shown increasingly more through movement of the human body. As mainstream sports disillusion young athletes, a multitude of “fringe” sports are available to try that hold fewer restrictions on body and mind.
Go down to the local skatepark and see if you observe both sport and art coming together as youngsters try out new tricks, move to rhythms pumping from their ipods, and craft videos of their exploits.
Take a look at the following videos and let us know what you think. Are these expressions of art and sport? Or are they neither or both? Think about how you move as an individual and what you think you are capable of doing and then reconsider after watching the videos. Food for thought.
Turts.
PS. Reminder about the WEducation Wednesday (tomorrow) night – start 745pm, going to around 9. Non-members fee is $20.
Today’s Workout:
Buy-In: Dynamic movement, coaches’ choice
WOD: “Row – Thruster”
If there is any combo more terrifying, I don’t know of it. This workout originally showed up on Crossfit.com a couple of weeks ago. It is definitely a physical and mental challenge but one our Zoners will surely conquer and enjoy. Check out some of the best Crossfit athletes’ videos and scores here.
5 rounds for time of:
- 500m row
- 7 thrusters (95/135)
Zone 4: scale thrusters to 75/115
Zone 3: scale thrusters to 65/95
Zone 2: scale thrusters to 45/65
Zone 1: scale as needed
Cash-Out: Follow the leader stretches
Okay so tomorrow is my rest day but I am for sure coming in for this one!
Provocative post, Turts – lots of calories of food for thought here. There’s no bright line between sport and art in any of the (jaw-dropping) examples you provide, which leads – me at least – down the road of questioning how we define each of these categories. Though at some level that academic exercise gets quickly taken over by the simple pleasure of watching (or doing, if you’re so blessed/talented/committed), whatever the hell you choose to call it.
Good points Rumon… maybe the need for debate is secondary to the simple admiration of the abilities of these individuals!
Great post, Cam! Love the way you put it out there that sport can cross over into art.
If you ask me, all the video examples provided show strong qualities of sport: dedication, determination, the need for endless practice and focus to achieve perfection and accuracy, and the constant search for a new competitive challenge.
By the same token, the examples you provided are pure art, even if for the simple fact that these people have taken something that could be quite common, and added their personal stamp to it, utilizing invention and innovation, not to mention doing it for the pure love of the activity.
Awesome.