I took a few psychology classes in school and got mostly B’s, but I do remember Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. In 1943, Abraham Maslow outlined human development through the ways our motives evolve: from seeking basic needs like food and shelter to psychological desires for love, belonging, and self-esteem. Each stage represents smaller wedges scaling a pyramid, as the person matures. It’s like if the food pyramid had feelings.
This all feels inextricably tied to the mental journey of dealing with COVID-19 for four months now. In March, I was eternally grateful merely to be healthy and land a Costco delivery (and still am). In April, I Zoomed with people I don’t even see frequently in normal times, to feel more connected. Throughout May and June, as the shock of sheltering in place began to wane, I found myself bringing a greater sense of purpose to work—as if to remind myself what I normally do and am decent at. I’ve established—in the most privileged sense—the ways to meet my foundational needs during this time. They’ve started to feel routine.
But as the summer months pass by, we humans need more. Maslow intended his pyramid to represent a life-long pursuit. At times, 2020 has felt like just that.
At the apex of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is self-actualization. It’s been described as achieving one’s full potential, including engaging in creative activities. That’s why you’re seeing people pick up side projects, dedicate energy and resources to the social issues they care about, or connect with strangers without seeking additional affirmation; i.e. doing things because they’re fulfilling in a deeper way beyond one’s own survival.
That’s what motivated Terez Dean Orr, John Speed Orr, and Elliott Morin to create a series of short film ballets.
“We just wanted to make people dance,” Terez says.