Why Arabesque?

Reference to the arabesque can be found in music, ballet, art, and language.

In art, the term relates to linear patterns of flowing, intertwining, and/or meandering lines. In music, Claude Debussy famously composed Deux Arabesques in 1888 and 1891, and most recently Coldplay had a song titled Arabesque in 2019. The word arabesque can also be used as an adjective to describe something that has an elaborate or intricate pattern. Probably most notably, the arabesque is a posture in ballet in which the dancer is balanced on one leg with the other extended horizontally behind them and their arm reaching forward.

So why did we choose Arabesque as the name of Erica’s foundation?

Erica loved to arabesque and would “strike the pose” everywhere she went. She also encouraged others to do so. She lived her life intertwining people, interests and talents into elaborate and intricate pattern of kindness, innovation, and social justice. Finally, the arabesque serves as an analogy/metaphor and reminds us to stand firmly, remain balanced and continue to reach forward to the future.