The world is in mourning for Chester Bennington, lead singer for the band Linkin Park, who was found dead in his home last week. As a musician, his work touched many people, and leaves us with a deep void. His suicide has again highlighted the issue of depression in our society - too many have been taken from us far too soon.
Choreographer Robert Schultz has created a beautiful tribute to Bennington. The video, set to Linkin Park's song "One More Light", is an emotional and heart wrenching piece of work.
In addition to honoring Bennington, Schultz wants to bring awareness to a subject that doesn't always get the attention it should - suicide awareness.
"I feel it's important to me to let those out their struggling from depression, bullying and other tragic things that affect us know that you're not alone," says Schultz. "That you matter. That you are enough. That you are loved. Your light is important to this world. No matter where your at in life and it might seem that their is no hope or anything you can do. I want you to reach out. I know it's scary to ask for "HELP", but we must."
Sometimes it feels like you have the weight of the world on your dancing shoulders. But Schultz has one last reminder for the dance community:
"As a society we have just become so disconnected, so entitled, so not present or aware. and bullying just keeps getting worst. We think if we just take care of our needs and just go on with our life and look away that everything will just be fine. I'm fine so that's all that matters."
"What about making someone else feel beautiful and amazing? We must be accountable for the actions we take or don't take, and how we talk to each other. It's so easy to be kind and loving..... Just by a smile, a random act of kindness, being in gratitude, be there for others, be a supportive tribe."
If you, or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, here are some resources:
www.save.org
Suicide Prevention Hotline 1.800.273.8255