„Dance is the hidden language of the soul“ Martha Graham
Since the Fall of 2024, I have had the privilege of offering a „Movement Workshop“ to students in grades 7 through 10 at the BMS. It is literally a dream come true, as I too had such an opportunity at this age, and it was nothing short of life changing. Growing up in rural Vermont, as the youngest of 6 children, I didn’t have many opportunites to express myself, and was in turn, very shy at school. I had taken classical ballet classes since age 8, but when I entered high school, the dance program offered classes in modern/contemporary dance. Combining freedom, with self-discipline, while being encouraged to both uniquely and individually express my thoughts, feelings and ideas, I felt I had discovered a whole new language. I came alive and thrived in this new found communication, while finding others who understood. I found myself, my voice, my strength. This inspired me to make dance my career path.
I auditioned for and received scholarships to obtain my BFA in Dance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and later my Professional Diploma in Performance and Choreography from the LABAN Centre London. I also spent 2 years at the Shenandoah Conservatory in Virginia. I have danced for various choreographers in the US, England and Germany, and have been able to colaborate on many projects in our local area. I have taught internationally for many years and have been teaching in Mainz for nearly 20 years.
The Movement Workshop is an alternative to physical education at the BMS. In the course, we begin with a creative warm up, which not only warms the body while encouragung self-awareness, it allows the students to focus on themselves, and how they as individuals interpret the given themes. We then shift over to a sequence they learn from me. These always have specific counts, qualities, and consist of exercises one would find in a typical ballet or contemporary dance class. Working this way not only strengthens the muscles, develops core support, musicality and flexibility, it requires much focus and short term memory skills. We continue onto floor work, and larger movements with jumps in the space. The main focus of each week is the creative group work. The students choose whom they want to work with, find a theme, create a mind-map, and begin creating! At the end of each session, each group shows what they’ve come up with, and the others give feedback as to what worked well with the theme, and/or how this could be improved upon. This has been incredibly valuable and productive. Both last year, and this year, the students hosted showings for the staff and several younger classes. Watching them grow in confidence and self expression was incredibly rewarding. Performing is encouraged, but not required and I was thrilled that the students chose to share.
In the past 2 years, we have taken a trip to Mainz to view perfomances at the Staatstheater. The students viewed „The Frame“, and „Trailer Park“. The discussions that were had afterwards revealed a fascinating understanding and inspiration. We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to see this level of professionalism with such high artistic and cultural quality.
Written projects are also required to expand the knowledge of dance, it’s history, cultures, and styles. The students work in small groups to research and present their newly discovered information. Some of the topics have been:“ Classical Ballet“, „Show Dance“, „Flamenco“, „Jazz Dance“, and „How dance affects our emotions“.
The experience of working with students in this way truly brings my life full circle. Having the opportunity to share my love of dance, it’s values and beauty is indescribable.
And what a bonus that it’s all in English!