When art and sports collide, something magical happens—a fusion that transcends boundaries and sparks conversations. This is precisely what Ross Gay’s Be Holding achieves, and its latest iteration at the Carnegie International is a testament to its enduring power. But let’s take a step back and think about it: how does a single basketball move from 1980 become the catalyst for a poem, a performance, and now a cultural phenomenon? Personally, I think it’s because Gay doesn’t just describe the move; he uses it as a lens to explore themes of togetherness, care, and the Black experience in America. What makes this particularly fascinating is how a fleeting moment in sports becomes a vessel for something much deeper—a meditation on history, joy, and resilience.
The Poetry of Movement
Julius ‘Dr. J’ Erving’s ‘baseline scoop’ is more than just a basketball highlight; it’s a symbol of defiance and ingenuity. Gay’s poem dissects this moment, asking us to consider the decisions we make mid-air—both literal and metaphorical. What many people don’t realize is that this isn’t just about basketball; it’s about the human capacity to adapt, to soar, even when the path forward seems blocked. The poem’s expansion into a live performance adds another layer, turning words into movement and sound. In my opinion, this transformation is where the magic truly lies. It’s not just about reciting a poem; it’s about embodying its essence, making it tangible for an audience.
Community as Canvas
One thing that immediately stands out is the choice of venue: a YMCA gym in Pittsburgh’s Hill District. This isn’t a traditional art space, and that’s the point. The gym becomes a ‘grounded setting,’ as performer David Gaines puts it, reflecting the poem’s themes of practicality, togetherness, and community. From my perspective, this is a brilliant move. It democratizes art, bringing it to a space where people already gather, where the lines between performer and audience blur. The inclusion of local high school students in the production further underscores this idea of collective effort. These young performers aren’t just actors; they’re interpreters, bringing their own experiences to the piece. What this really suggests is that art isn’t just for the elite—it’s for everyone, and it thrives when it’s shared.
The Timelessness of Black Genius
Ross Gay’s work is deeply rooted in the Black experience, but it’s also universal. His ability to connect Dr. J’s move to the Middle Passage, Black flight, and the joy of everyday life is nothing short of genius. A detail that I find especially interesting is how the poem resonates with younger generations, many of whom have no memory of Dr. J. This raises a deeper question: how do we preserve and celebrate cultural milestones in an ever-changing world? The performance at Carnegie International offers one answer: by reimagining them, by making them relevant to new audiences. Personally, I think this is why Be Holding feels so alive—it’s not a relic; it’s a conversation that continues to evolve.
The Power of Collaboration
What makes Be Holding truly unique is its collaborative nature. The poem, the choreography, the music—all come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Composer Tyshawn Sorey’s score, for instance, isn’t just background music; it’s a character in its own right, amplifying the emotional depth of the piece. If you take a step back and think about it, this is how art should work—as a collective endeavor, where each contributor brings their own voice to the table. The fact that the show was commissioned after the curators saw its 2023 premiere speaks volumes about its impact. In my opinion, this is a reminder that art doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it thrives when it’s seen, felt, and shared.
Looking Forward: The Legacy of *Be Holding*
As Be Holding takes its place in the Carnegie International, I can’t help but wonder: what’s next? Will this performance inspire other artists to explore the intersection of sports and art? Will it spark conversations about the role of community in creative expression? One thing is certain: Be Holding is more than a poem or a show; it’s a movement. What this really suggests is that art has the power to transform—not just the way we see the world, but the way we engage with it. From my perspective, that’s the ultimate takeaway: art isn’t just something we consume; it’s something we live. And in that sense, Be Holding isn’t just happening again—it’s happening for the first time, every time.
