Jody Vivian

Jody Vivian

by marlies|dekkers

Pirate: Anne Bonny

Embodied by: Jody Vivian (dancer, singer-songwriter & choreographer)

All it took for me to become Anne Bonny was putting on her pirate coat and boots. It was like an instant transformation! You see, except for the killing and setting everything on fire, I’m actually a lot like her. A modern-day pirate. People say I was born with an old soul. At only 4 years old, I knew what I wanted to do: dance, dance, dance! Not being much of a talker, dance became one of my main forms of expression together with writing. Instead of following the rules, I followed my inner compass: my heart, which always pointed towards adventure and travel. It led me to who I am today: a world-traveling dancer and singer-songwriter.

One of the (many) things I love about the ‚Pirates of the Caribbean‘ movies is the joyful sense of camaraderie among the pirates. I feel the same way about the teams I have become close with during longer projects, but also about my small but tightknit group of friends. They are my self-chosen tribe, sharing the same values, believing in the same truth: that love always wins.

Traveling is freedom. New people, new places, new ways of looking at things; I cannot think of a better way to learn and grow. Like Anne Bonny, I crave adventure, but whereas she was after gold and riches, my treasures are new insights and meaningful encounters. I used to travel so easily – 3 months in France, a year in Morocco – but lately, of course, it’s been harder for all of us. Still, as soon as I put on my pirate coat – real or imaginary – a local train ride can become as exciting as an overseas trip. It’s all about being an adventurer in your own life.

Follow Jody on Instagram.

 

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