Rob Dobson, Facilitator
Although I distinctly did not want to serve as a “presenter” at this Congress, I did agree to facilitate our final free group dance. In my thinking about it, I failed to remember that it would be preceded by our group evaluation of the Congress, so when it came time for my introductory comments, we had already been sitting on the floor of the smaller wooden-floored studio for at least a half hour, and I, for one, certainly felt the need to move. I suggested that we get up and close the curtains over the “Breaking News Gallery” taped to the mirrors and begin just moving and milling about while I talked a little bit. This is pretty much verbatim what I remember saying:
O.K. this is fine. Milling about. Milling’s good. I’m totally improv-ing this, so bear with me.
I’ve had the privilege of dancing with my colleague Jeff Pike at Harvard weekly for something like seven years now, and we’re always amazed that it doesn’t get boring! It’s always interesting, always fresh, always intriguing. And we keep growing in our sensitivity to each other and in our skill. I always wanted to believe this about this kind of dancing—that it could be constantly new and interesting—but now it has actually been proven to me. And I still think it’s an amazing thing.
Now you’re all standing around looking at me. This isn’t good. Keep moving!
I want to talk a little bit more about innovation. In one of the video interviews of Barbara Mettler late in her life—it might be Faces of Wisdom—someone asks her what she would like to be remembered for. She said, “Well, for many years I used to say ‘improvisation.’ But now lots of people are using improvisation in all kinds of ways. So now I think I would like to be remembered for innovation.” Yes, she said that.
I also like to think about the other use of the word improvise. What do we do in a pinch? We improvise. You’re cooking and you realize you’re out of some ingredient. So you’ll have to improvise. Say you don’t have a particular tool for some job you’re doing. Well, you’ll have to improvise. Today at noon it was raining when I needed to walk back from the dance building and I didn’t have my jacket or umbrella. I grabbed a big plastic bag and just draped it over my shoulders. It’s a frame of mind. It’s a way of life, right?
Barbara had to improvise many, many times in her life. She was forced to leave Mary Wigman because of the political situation in Germany with Hitler’s rapid and unexpected rise to power. She wasn’t ready to leave, but she had to. She landed in New York City in 1933 and had to dig in and start investigating the principles of movement all on her own. It was hard times, artistically and economically, just as it’s hard times now. But I remember that Barbara always said she felt that hard times were the best times for artists because that’s when you have to really go deep into the basics of your art and see if you can do without what you thought was essential.
What do you do when your huge, beautiful barn studio burns down almost immediately after completion, with your entire large collection of instruments? Well, you take a deep breath and head for the local hardware store and see what you can find to make some instruments out of. You thought you were going to have this fantastic indoor studio space to use, and you end up having to work outdoors for several years, and it changes your work entirely.
In fact, this approach to dance has always been about keeping it new. “Try standing up in some way you’ve never stood up before.” “See if you can move in some completely new ways.” It’s always been about exploring and keeping it fresh and interesting for ourselves.
O.K., so now it’s time for our last free group dance. It was a great opportunity for me this morning to observe that last dance facilitated by Yael on the theme of holding and letting go. The group really stuck with the theme! But it was a very tightly controlled theme. And it seems to me that what we need now is a totally free group dance. Do you agree? O.K.
As always, try to get the big picture, sensing it as a group dance. Keep your antennae way, way out.
And you know, this doesn’t have to be our best dance of the week. Or our biggest dance yet. It doesn’t have to go on forever and ever. It doesn’t have to be amazing and fabulous. It just has to be the right dance for right now. So let’s do it.
[This dance began out of individual movement in the smaller studio, growing into a very friendly feeling, smiling and bumping and laughing, evolving into a hysterically laughing group in the middle surrounded by a circumambulating finger-shaking ring of “Uh-oh!” and then eventually taking off into the larger studio, with two different camps arriving by different routes and reuniting, waving happily to each other. There were lots of other fairly energetic movement and sound themes that emerged, and the dance went on for perhaps 30 or 40 minutes altogether, ending with delicious total quiet as we all lay down together gradually and just listened to the quiet.]
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Group Evaluation (Plusses and Deltas)
Instead of written evaluations, we chose to do a group evaluation, facilitated by Griff, at the beginning of the closing session Friday afternoon. First we called out and listed all of the Plusses (things we liked about this Congress). Then we called out and listed all of the Deltas (things we would like to see changed or done differently at future Congresses).
PLUS
Tradition/Innovation balance
Free laundry
Role of Pre-Congress in integration of elders/those with special needs
Free afternoon
Who came
Interns: the position, who they were,
Presenters: clarity, opportunities to present
Going outside the lines
Material
Breaking barriers
With all the experimentation we didn’t let go of our roots
New voices presenting
Discussion, writing, drawing
Open Space
Music
Facility: proximity of dining, living, dancing spaces
Whole sense of NEW
Opening Dance!
Emily Dickinson experience, the video taping at E.D.
Having own room
Gallery exhibit (Susan Dayall)
Integration of photography
More like a Congress—more of a peer group
Good food
We lived the innovation
Conception/organization
Welcome in rooms
Community locations stimulated interest
This evaluation process
From individuals (written evaluations from people who had to leave before Friday):
#1
Ditto on open space providing each member a non-threatening chance to contribute to the Congress
Loved the freedom within the structure
Loved that everybody came to DANCE fully, deeply & felt safe to take risks
Very satisfying from beginning to end.
Great loving supportive organization.
Proud to be a member. Grateful—very grateful.
#2
Thank you Griff, Helen, Rob—Superb.
Thank you BOD! Kudos.
Loved the dancing
Vocal patterns in free group dance
Loved teaching at the pre-Congress and NOT teaching at the Congress
Loved seeing Jean’s strength and clarity as presenter
Loved that open space process allowed everyone to lead, contribute
#3
The material covered in the Pre-Congress was excellent review for me.
First day of regular Congress constituted a very different experience from that of the Pre-Congress with less time spent on basic concepts of Mettler based material. Large group dance was a different experience from that of Pre-Congress and more challenging. In my first dance I quickly saw the difference in ability—I could see how through experience in Mettler-based work one really does (as musicians say) improve one’s chops. The was an encouraging revelation.
Every one of the sessions was helpful and interesting. Presenters managed to allay feelings of anxiety about whether I could do this stuff.
Food was great.
The annual meeting was very well run.
DELTA
Need tune-up before Open Space
And coming together after morning and afternoon sessions
More time to learn about Open Space in order to better transition and plan the timing
Some of Open Space brought into movement (out of verbal)
More shifting and negotiation in Open Space scheduling
Evening meeting
Surprise of co-ed bathrooms
Not enough awareness and introduction of assistive devices
Dirty, noisy dorms
Plastic mattresses, crappy blankets
Going out for a meal would have been nice
Helen wasn’t here
Members’ meeting needs to be give a more important role in Congress
More attention needs to be given to our gatherings as members
Time for honoring members in meetings [Side comment from Griff—not sure I captured the last three comments fully, so feel free to clarify of expand.]
Early departures of some participants
Coordinators’ jobs need to be opened up beyond board members [Side comment from Griff: I thought we had begun that, so I guess this means further opening up.]
From Individuals:
#1
We try to cram too much into the first day. Members’ meeting felt forced and too much talking from BOD, not enough from members. I like to get feedback from members about how we can change it.
Open Space structure needed time set aside for sharing and debriefing as a whole group (live and learn . . .)
#2
Could there be a way to buy snacks between meals?
Trouble with coed bathrooms
Include suggestion of reading lamp, extra bedding in “What to bring” letter
#3
Infusion of movement in Open Space set-up & process (not so much sitting)
Not bringing the group back together in Open Space at end of morning and afternoon sessions
Early departers not having the opportunity to say goodbye—lack of closure
PLUS
Tradition/Innovation balance
Free laundry
Role of Pre-Congress in integration of elders/those with special needs
Free afternoon
Who came
Interns: the position, who they were,
Presenters: clarity, opportunities to present
Going outside the lines
Material
Breaking barriers
With all the experimentation we didn’t let go of our roots
New voices presenting
Discussion, writing, drawing
Open Space
Music
Facility: proximity of dining, living, dancing spaces
Whole sense of NEW
Opening Dance!
Emily Dickinson experience, the video taping at E.D.
Having own room
Gallery exhibit (Susan Dayall)
Integration of photography
More like a Congress—more of a peer group
Good food
We lived the innovation
Conception/organization
Welcome in rooms
Community locations stimulated interest
This evaluation process
From individuals (written evaluations from people who had to leave before Friday):
#1
Ditto on open space providing each member a non-threatening chance to contribute to the Congress
Loved the freedom within the structure
Loved that everybody came to DANCE fully, deeply & felt safe to take risks
Very satisfying from beginning to end.
Great loving supportive organization.
Proud to be a member. Grateful—very grateful.
#2
Thank you Griff, Helen, Rob—Superb.
Thank you BOD! Kudos.
Loved the dancing
Vocal patterns in free group dance
Loved teaching at the pre-Congress and NOT teaching at the Congress
Loved seeing Jean’s strength and clarity as presenter
Loved that open space process allowed everyone to lead, contribute
#3
The material covered in the Pre-Congress was excellent review for me.
First day of regular Congress constituted a very different experience from that of the Pre-Congress with less time spent on basic concepts of Mettler based material. Large group dance was a different experience from that of Pre-Congress and more challenging. In my first dance I quickly saw the difference in ability—I could see how through experience in Mettler-based work one really does (as musicians say) improve one’s chops. The was an encouraging revelation.
Every one of the sessions was helpful and interesting. Presenters managed to allay feelings of anxiety about whether I could do this stuff.
Food was great.
The annual meeting was very well run.
DELTA
Need tune-up before Open Space
And coming together after morning and afternoon sessions
More time to learn about Open Space in order to better transition and plan the timing
Some of Open Space brought into movement (out of verbal)
More shifting and negotiation in Open Space scheduling
Evening meeting
Surprise of co-ed bathrooms
Not enough awareness and introduction of assistive devices
Dirty, noisy dorms
Plastic mattresses, crappy blankets
Going out for a meal would have been nice
Helen wasn’t here
Members’ meeting needs to be give a more important role in Congress
More attention needs to be given to our gatherings as members
Time for honoring members in meetings [Side comment from Griff—not sure I captured the last three comments fully, so feel free to clarify of expand.]
Early departures of some participants
Coordinators’ jobs need to be opened up beyond board members [Side comment from Griff: I thought we had begun that, so I guess this means further opening up.]
From Individuals:
#1
We try to cram too much into the first day. Members’ meeting felt forced and too much talking from BOD, not enough from members. I like to get feedback from members about how we can change it.
Open Space structure needed time set aside for sharing and debriefing as a whole group (live and learn . . .)
#2
Could there be a way to buy snacks between meals?
Trouble with coed bathrooms
Include suggestion of reading lamp, extra bedding in “What to bring” letter
#3
Infusion of movement in Open Space set-up & process (not so much sitting)
Not bringing the group back together in Open Space at end of morning and afternoon sessions
Early departers not having the opportunity to say goodbye—lack of closure
Open Space Reflection and Integration
The following comments are culled from Rob’s and Deborah’s attempts to record the feedback in the circle at the end of Thursday morning.
Yael: Just having Open Space at this Congress is innovative. I loved how people who led sessions did it on the spot, just like a dance. It was very difficult to choose from among all the offerings.
Betsey: It took me back to many other years and memories of experiences.
Emily: I liked all the diverse things, reconnecting through our differences.
Mary: “What can we all do…?” This was the literal sense of trying to figure it out.
Susie: Previous Congress presenters had prior experience; it’s so delightful to see new people leading sessions. It fulfills the theme.
Kyla: It makes me realize I have more questions about this work. My session didn’t happen, but I’d still like to have the conversation [about how to continue to do Mettler-based dance and continue to find my own way] [This conversation did finally happen late Thursday evening at the 2nd floor lounge of the dorm, where it was standing room only.]
Felice: My session didn’t happen, either—how we apply Mettler-based principles in our lives. [Felice attended Kyla’s Thursday evening session and afterwards said that it had actually addressed some of what she was interested in talking about.]
Harda: This is what I wanted to know, too.
Donna: I really loved the richness. Too many choices. Maybe have each person offer only one?
Nancy: It brought out the richness that is here already. Oh, that dive toward the center at the beginning of Open Space! It was like an explosion of enthusiasm—out there and eager!
Yael: I would like 15 minutes for the whole group at the end of each session to find out what happened and what was the feel of the individual sessions.
Mary Ann: I agree that to have that in the structure would be good. I think this was just what the Congress needed at this time in our development. It’s a good shift. I hope we can continue to use it. How can we adapt it? I also think it would be good to come together as a whole group for the first tune-up.
Susie: And at the end of the day.
Donna: I was torn between the opportunities to talk and to move. Maybe we could consider having the moving sessions during the day and the talking sessions at night.
Felice: It was frustrating to have conflicts and have to decide.
Yael: I feel the Open Space is answering the question of the theme.
Lynne: To me the wonderful thing was the inclusiveness and the courage of people to offer things. Use the blog! The conversation doesn’t have to end.
Griff: Freedom—Awareness—Control. The Congresses have historically been very controlled. I wanted us to get free again. And I feel that happened. Now we can spiral up.
Mary: The structure allowed people to jump in. It opened the door to greater freedom.
Sue: Thanks for the encouragement to newcomers to try leading a session. Some of us had been holding back, thinking, “What could we offer to all of these experts?”
Mary Ann: It’s an easier give-and-take to offer things spontaneously, not all planned out.
[?]: [Something about dipping into the purity of Mettler work and coming back out—what can be learned there?]
Rob: It actually took us months to formulate the theme. At first we wanted to say something like, How can we explore spontaneity and freshness and still stay true to the principles of Mettler-based work? It finally dawned on us that the very core of Barbara’s work is innovation and creativity.
Hannah: I found it really great to have smaller groups and see how in touch I am with my creativity this week. It’s nice to notice that I’m in the creative mode—nice to have lots of outlets for it and experience it and play with it.
Juanita: The sessions fed into each other. The Tree Dances led into the Spatial/ Sculptural session.
Lynne: Things from the small session made my large group experience so much richer.
[?]: Thank you, everyone!
Mary Ann: I also liked having assigned presenters. I wouldn’t want all Open Space.
Susie: And I liked having a first day and a last day of the week be in our usual presenter format.
Felice: I would like to have known more about Open Space in advance. I think I froze up.
Mary: It was a leveling experience to have Open Space be new for all of us.
Carol: I loved getting back to basics.
Jean: I was concerned about the choppiness, but I thought it worked. It allowed us to experience more themes. Lots of variety was exciting.
Griff: It puts more responsibility on each person. I also loved the flexibility of having permission to take a nap or go for a walk if that’s what I needed to do for myself.
Susie: The physical space clearly supported this experiment in Open Space. This campus provides us with superb facilities. How can we think about Open Space in Tucson?
Rob: That was a concern of mine, too. But this week I’ve seen once again what a creative group we are, and I bet we can find ways to make it work. Obviously the main studio, the small studio, possibly an early morning session outdoors. And does the Nature Conservancy have spaces we can use?
One-word summations:
Enriching. Flexible. Encouraging. Inclusive. Nurtured. New openings. Opening possibilities. Validation. Uniqueness and interest. Invitation. Permission. Creativity & harmony. Mutual responsibility. Deepening freedom. Curiosity plunge. Fresh choice. Validation. Respect. Intention. Direction. Breath of fresh air. Challenge. Support. Interactive. Fluidity. Spicy. Inside out. Appreciation. Knowledge. Colleagues. Respect. Communion. Privilege [Deborah]. Risk. Richness.
Yael: Just having Open Space at this Congress is innovative. I loved how people who led sessions did it on the spot, just like a dance. It was very difficult to choose from among all the offerings.
Betsey: It took me back to many other years and memories of experiences.
Emily: I liked all the diverse things, reconnecting through our differences.
Mary: “What can we all do…?” This was the literal sense of trying to figure it out.
Susie: Previous Congress presenters had prior experience; it’s so delightful to see new people leading sessions. It fulfills the theme.
Kyla: It makes me realize I have more questions about this work. My session didn’t happen, but I’d still like to have the conversation [about how to continue to do Mettler-based dance and continue to find my own way] [This conversation did finally happen late Thursday evening at the 2nd floor lounge of the dorm, where it was standing room only.]
Felice: My session didn’t happen, either—how we apply Mettler-based principles in our lives. [Felice attended Kyla’s Thursday evening session and afterwards said that it had actually addressed some of what she was interested in talking about.]
Harda: This is what I wanted to know, too.
Donna: I really loved the richness. Too many choices. Maybe have each person offer only one?
Nancy: It brought out the richness that is here already. Oh, that dive toward the center at the beginning of Open Space! It was like an explosion of enthusiasm—out there and eager!
Yael: I would like 15 minutes for the whole group at the end of each session to find out what happened and what was the feel of the individual sessions.
Mary Ann: I agree that to have that in the structure would be good. I think this was just what the Congress needed at this time in our development. It’s a good shift. I hope we can continue to use it. How can we adapt it? I also think it would be good to come together as a whole group for the first tune-up.
Susie: And at the end of the day.
Donna: I was torn between the opportunities to talk and to move. Maybe we could consider having the moving sessions during the day and the talking sessions at night.
Felice: It was frustrating to have conflicts and have to decide.
Yael: I feel the Open Space is answering the question of the theme.
Lynne: To me the wonderful thing was the inclusiveness and the courage of people to offer things. Use the blog! The conversation doesn’t have to end.
Griff: Freedom—Awareness—Control. The Congresses have historically been very controlled. I wanted us to get free again. And I feel that happened. Now we can spiral up.
Mary: The structure allowed people to jump in. It opened the door to greater freedom.
Sue: Thanks for the encouragement to newcomers to try leading a session. Some of us had been holding back, thinking, “What could we offer to all of these experts?”
Mary Ann: It’s an easier give-and-take to offer things spontaneously, not all planned out.
[?]: [Something about dipping into the purity of Mettler work and coming back out—what can be learned there?]
Rob: It actually took us months to formulate the theme. At first we wanted to say something like, How can we explore spontaneity and freshness and still stay true to the principles of Mettler-based work? It finally dawned on us that the very core of Barbara’s work is innovation and creativity.
Hannah: I found it really great to have smaller groups and see how in touch I am with my creativity this week. It’s nice to notice that I’m in the creative mode—nice to have lots of outlets for it and experience it and play with it.
Juanita: The sessions fed into each other. The Tree Dances led into the Spatial/ Sculptural session.
Lynne: Things from the small session made my large group experience so much richer.
[?]: Thank you, everyone!
Mary Ann: I also liked having assigned presenters. I wouldn’t want all Open Space.
Susie: And I liked having a first day and a last day of the week be in our usual presenter format.
Felice: I would like to have known more about Open Space in advance. I think I froze up.
Mary: It was a leveling experience to have Open Space be new for all of us.
Carol: I loved getting back to basics.
Jean: I was concerned about the choppiness, but I thought it worked. It allowed us to experience more themes. Lots of variety was exciting.
Griff: It puts more responsibility on each person. I also loved the flexibility of having permission to take a nap or go for a walk if that’s what I needed to do for myself.
Susie: The physical space clearly supported this experiment in Open Space. This campus provides us with superb facilities. How can we think about Open Space in Tucson?
Rob: That was a concern of mine, too. But this week I’ve seen once again what a creative group we are, and I bet we can find ways to make it work. Obviously the main studio, the small studio, possibly an early morning session outdoors. And does the Nature Conservancy have spaces we can use?
One-word summations:
Enriching. Flexible. Encouraging. Inclusive. Nurtured. New openings. Opening possibilities. Validation. Uniqueness and interest. Invitation. Permission. Creativity & harmony. Mutual responsibility. Deepening freedom. Curiosity plunge. Fresh choice. Validation. Respect. Intention. Direction. Breath of fresh air. Challenge. Support. Interactive. Fluidity. Spicy. Inside out. Appreciation. Knowledge. Colleagues. Respect. Communion. Privilege [Deborah]. Risk. Richness.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Presenters
In addition to the Open Space sessions, of course, we had wonderful regular sessions led by IACD members who volunteered to serve as presenters on topics of their choosing. The schedule for the whole week looked like this: (presenters, if I've got any of your session titles wrong, let me know so I can correct them; I never had an "official" list). Rob
Pre-Congress (Friday evening, Saturday morning and afternoon, and Sunday morning) (18 attendees)
Teacher: Doug Victor
Congress (29 attendees)
Monday
Morning: Lynne McNett (The Give and Take of Group Dance Improvisation)
Afternoon: Lynn Gallo (Instrumental Work, Integrating the Body Parts)
Tuesday
Morning: Open Space (facilitated by organizational behavior consultant Deborah Langstaff)
Afternoon: Jean Tobias (Organic Form)
Wednesday
Morning: Open Space
Afternoon: OFF
Thursday
Morning: Open Space
Afternoon: Griff Goehring (planned with Helen Horigan) (Moving with the Sounds of the Poetry of Emily Dickinson) on the grounds of the Emily Dickinson Homestead
Friday
Morning: Mary Andersen (Integrating the Three Elements of Force, Time and Space Two at a Time)
Yael Schweitzer (Holding and Letting Go)
Afternoon: Final Free Group Dance facilitated by Rob Dobson
Pre-Congress (Friday evening, Saturday morning and afternoon, and Sunday morning) (18 attendees)
Teacher: Doug Victor
Congress (29 attendees)
Monday
Morning: Lynne McNett (The Give and Take of Group Dance Improvisation)
Afternoon: Lynn Gallo (Instrumental Work, Integrating the Body Parts)
Tuesday
Morning: Open Space (facilitated by organizational behavior consultant Deborah Langstaff)
Afternoon: Jean Tobias (Organic Form)
Wednesday
Morning: Open Space
Afternoon: OFF
Thursday
Morning: Open Space
Afternoon: Griff Goehring (planned with Helen Horigan) (Moving with the Sounds of the Poetry of Emily Dickinson) on the grounds of the Emily Dickinson Homestead
Friday
Morning: Mary Andersen (Integrating the Three Elements of Force, Time and Space Two at a Time)
Yael Schweitzer (Holding and Letting Go)
Afternoon: Final Free Group Dance facilitated by Rob Dobson
Monday, July 6, 2009
Helen checks in_7-3-09
Well, dancers, from the reports I've had so far, it sounds like the Congress was one big success! I am finally getting a little better (been cooped up since I left sick in the middle of the Congress). I did go into work today finally for a few hours. What a weird timing, to get this bug exactly coinciding with the Congress. Alas...
I have been thrilled with what I've heard--and I do want to hear more. The presentations, the Open Space (unbelievable!) the Emily Dickinson dance, the participation of all the dancers, the Pre-Congress. And of course the pictures! I would love to hear and see more responses from any and all of you. Feel free to call or email me and of course, feel free to post any and all of your responses, photos, and experiences here on the blog.
Thanks to each and all of you. I'm sorry I didn't get to dance with you and visit as well. It's such a rare treat. However, I feel quite pleased with the fruition of a year's work. I know there is more to come! Love to all, Helen
Open Space Sessions
Hi, all. Here are all of the Open Space sessions. Quite a list, huh?
Open Space Sessions Offered at IACD Congress 2009
Tuesday
Session I (10:15–11:00 a.m.
Free Group Dance Silently
(Lynn Gallo convene, Large Studio)
Going Through Some Mettler-Based Exercises/Techniques
(Nancy Lob lead, Small Studio)
Creative Dance with People Who Have Developmental Disabilities
(Betsey Bergman, Gazebo I)
Lunchtime
The Hidden Life of a Mettler Dancer: How Do You Explain What You Do, and This Work That You Do, to Others?
(Mary Andersen convene, Dining Room)
Session II (11:15–12:15 p.m.
The Therapeutic Elements of Creative Dance
(Yael Schweitzer lead, Large Studio)
Subtlety and Sensitivity in Individual and Small Group Dance
(Mary Ann Brehm lead, Small Studio)
Creative Dance in a Religious Situation
(Nancy Lob lead, Raised Area)
Our Stories, Our Roots into the Mettler Family Tree;
Our Stories Mettler CD Memory (s), Reality and Myth
(Doug Victor, Stage)
Evening:
Jewelry Show and Brief Gallery Talk About the Influence of Creative Dance on a Sculptor
(Rob Dobson, dorm 2d fl. landing, 7:30–8:30 p.m.)
Wednesday
Session I (9:15–10:30 a.m.)
Unusual Black Clothing Dance
(Rob Dobson facilitate, Large Studio)
Octaband
(Donna Newman-Bluestein, Small Studio)
Admire the Beauty, be part of the beauty; Become your reflective authentic Self; Find your inner and outer Self
(Harda Bradford, Gazebo 2)
Silent, Unplanned, Site-specific Free Group Dance
(Kyla Ferguson, outdoors)
Session II (10:45 a.m.–12 noon)
Sharing Creative Dance Experiences/Dances with Children with and without Disabilities
(Carole Piercy, Small Studio)
Singing Combined with Dramatic Dancing
(Forrest Forque, Stage)
combined with
Voice Dance Moving, The Bones of My Soul
(Juanita Lehman)
Mettler Exhibit: Viewing, Sharing Reflections, and Dance
(Doug Victor, Library)
Lunchtime
Regional Workshops Discussion
(Mary Ann Brehm convene, 12:30 p.m., Dining Room)
Thursday
Session I (8:50–9:50 a.m.)
Sound Polyphony Improv and Movement (Big Group)
(Sue Biggs lead, Large Studio)
The Arts as Connector, Mettler-Based, the Terezin Experience
(Carol Miller, Small Studio—later canceled)
Teaching Literacy Through Dance
(Lynn McNett, Stage)
Conversation About Carrying on Mettler Tradition and Finding Our Own Way
(Kyla Ferguson convene, rescheduled to dorm 2d fl. lounge, 7:30 p.m. Thurs.)
Tree Dances (Susie Pfaffl, outdoors)
Session II (10:50–11:05 a.m.)
Photography and Dance
(Emily Price lead, Large Studio)
Spatial Dance Using Sculptural Creations
(Jean Tobias, Small Studio and outdoors)
How the Joy of Mettler Affects Our Everyday Life
(Felice Larsen, Raised Area)
Writing Down the Dance
(Griff Goehring facilitate, picnic table on the way to library)
Evening:
Videos: Mettler Dancers Invade Harvard
(Rob Dobson, dorm 1st fl. lounge), 9:00 p.m.
Dance for 4 Men (Kell Julliard, Doug Victor, Jeffry Pike, Rob Dobson)
Dance for 5 (Nancy Lob, Helen Horigan, Griff Goehring, Jeffry Pike, Rob Dobson)
Open Space Sessions Offered at IACD Congress 2009
Tuesday
Session I (10:15–11:00 a.m.
Free Group Dance Silently
(Lynn Gallo convene, Large Studio)
Going Through Some Mettler-Based Exercises/Techniques
(Nancy Lob lead, Small Studio)
Creative Dance with People Who Have Developmental Disabilities
(Betsey Bergman, Gazebo I)
Lunchtime
The Hidden Life of a Mettler Dancer: How Do You Explain What You Do, and This Work That You Do, to Others?
(Mary Andersen convene, Dining Room)
Session II (11:15–12:15 p.m.
The Therapeutic Elements of Creative Dance
(Yael Schweitzer lead, Large Studio)
Subtlety and Sensitivity in Individual and Small Group Dance
(Mary Ann Brehm lead, Small Studio)
Creative Dance in a Religious Situation
(Nancy Lob lead, Raised Area)
Our Stories, Our Roots into the Mettler Family Tree;
Our Stories Mettler CD Memory (s), Reality and Myth
(Doug Victor, Stage)
Evening:
Jewelry Show and Brief Gallery Talk About the Influence of Creative Dance on a Sculptor
(Rob Dobson, dorm 2d fl. landing, 7:30–8:30 p.m.)
Wednesday
Session I (9:15–10:30 a.m.)
Unusual Black Clothing Dance
(Rob Dobson facilitate, Large Studio)
Octaband
(Donna Newman-Bluestein, Small Studio)
Admire the Beauty, be part of the beauty; Become your reflective authentic Self; Find your inner and outer Self
(Harda Bradford, Gazebo 2)
Silent, Unplanned, Site-specific Free Group Dance
(Kyla Ferguson, outdoors)
Session II (10:45 a.m.–12 noon)
Sharing Creative Dance Experiences/Dances with Children with and without Disabilities
(Carole Piercy, Small Studio)
Singing Combined with Dramatic Dancing
(Forrest Forque, Stage)
combined with
Voice Dance Moving, The Bones of My Soul
(Juanita Lehman)
Mettler Exhibit: Viewing, Sharing Reflections, and Dance
(Doug Victor, Library)
Lunchtime
Regional Workshops Discussion
(Mary Ann Brehm convene, 12:30 p.m., Dining Room)
Thursday
Session I (8:50–9:50 a.m.)
Sound Polyphony Improv and Movement (Big Group)
(Sue Biggs lead, Large Studio)
The Arts as Connector, Mettler-Based, the Terezin Experience
(Carol Miller, Small Studio—later canceled)
Teaching Literacy Through Dance
(Lynn McNett, Stage)
Conversation About Carrying on Mettler Tradition and Finding Our Own Way
(Kyla Ferguson convene, rescheduled to dorm 2d fl. lounge, 7:30 p.m. Thurs.)
Tree Dances (Susie Pfaffl, outdoors)
Session II (10:50–11:05 a.m.)
Photography and Dance
(Emily Price lead, Large Studio)
Spatial Dance Using Sculptural Creations
(Jean Tobias, Small Studio and outdoors)
How the Joy of Mettler Affects Our Everyday Life
(Felice Larsen, Raised Area)
Writing Down the Dance
(Griff Goehring facilitate, picnic table on the way to library)
Evening:
Videos: Mettler Dancers Invade Harvard
(Rob Dobson, dorm 1st fl. lounge), 9:00 p.m.
Dance for 4 Men (Kell Julliard, Doug Victor, Jeffry Pike, Rob Dobson)
Dance for 5 (Nancy Lob, Helen Horigan, Griff Goehring, Jeffry Pike, Rob Dobson)
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Recovery!
One week ago today I was leading the session at the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst. My most vivid memory is that it was sunny and warm. I was so happy to see people connecting deeply with each other through movement as they became familiar with the environment. I loved the work that people did with words and then with Emily's poems. When I teach I am always astonished by the creativity of the dancers'. It's good to have a vision of where I want the group to go - that's how I organize my planning. It's far more exciting and rewarding when the group finds new territory I hadn't even imagined.
I've spent the last few days resting and cleaning up details in the business surrounding the Congress. Today is really the first day I've felt like getting back into the world. What a treat to sign onto the blog and see all of Emily & Kyla's great photos.
On to Tucson!
Griff
I've spent the last few days resting and cleaning up details in the business surrounding the Congress. Today is really the first day I've felt like getting back into the world. What a treat to sign onto the blog and see all of Emily & Kyla's great photos.
On to Tucson!
Griff
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Pictures from Friday
Hi friends,
here are some pictures from Yael's session on Friday morning of the Congress. I sent some to Rob and he commented on the seriousness and drama of this dance that was captured in these pictures. As an observer I definitely felt a deeper concentration and sense of "showing up" being exuded from the group.
I hope everyone is doing well, I have been reflecting on all the enriching experiences I had and I'm excited to be involved in the performance project in the Fall !
Emily
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Some photos from the pre-Congress
For viewing pleasure!
Emily is our official photographer, but here are some photos I took at the pre-Congress. The pre-Congress was wonderful, and I am excited for the rest of the week!
Feel free to use this blog in any way you like, any questions just ask!
-Kyla
Friday, June 12, 2009
Count down to the Congress
I am sitting here wondering how I have managed to be stuck at my desk and computer in order to prepare for a dance event.
I am in the middle of making room assignments, confirming meal counts, dealing with balances due and balances paid, managing room set ups, and on, and on. And oh yes, I need to be thinking about that presentation I am doing.....
But next Friday is the payoff.
I am very excited about the number of people who are participating in this year's Congress and Pre-Congress. We have 18 people signed up for the pre-Congress. It'll be a nice mix of people brand new to our practice and experienced dancers in the Mettler-based tradition. The first three days of the Congress will see 29 people in the studio. The numbers thin out at the end of the week, but we will still have 24 people dancing on Friday.
I envy our pre-Congress instructor Doug Victor. He will have a juicy group to work with.
This year we have three interns, young women who took my course at Hampshire College this Spring. Their primary job is to participate fully in all the dance sessions, but I am also planning to use their help to take of all the endless little chores that keep an event like this going smoothly.
Rob Dobson, Helen Horigan, and I have had a blast planning and preparing for this event and have weathered deadlines, printing problems, this that and the other. But now we can't wait to see how everyone responds to what we've cooked up. I am particulary curious about the response to our Open Space Process on Tue - Thurs mornings. My fantasy is that many of you will find your "inner leader" and call for sessions that address your needs.
Back to work, Griff.
See you all at the studio, and don't be late!
I am in the middle of making room assignments, confirming meal counts, dealing with balances due and balances paid, managing room set ups, and on, and on. And oh yes, I need to be thinking about that presentation I am doing.....
But next Friday is the payoff.
I am very excited about the number of people who are participating in this year's Congress and Pre-Congress. We have 18 people signed up for the pre-Congress. It'll be a nice mix of people brand new to our practice and experienced dancers in the Mettler-based tradition. The first three days of the Congress will see 29 people in the studio. The numbers thin out at the end of the week, but we will still have 24 people dancing on Friday.
I envy our pre-Congress instructor Doug Victor. He will have a juicy group to work with.
This year we have three interns, young women who took my course at Hampshire College this Spring. Their primary job is to participate fully in all the dance sessions, but I am also planning to use their help to take of all the endless little chores that keep an event like this going smoothly.
Rob Dobson, Helen Horigan, and I have had a blast planning and preparing for this event and have weathered deadlines, printing problems, this that and the other. But now we can't wait to see how everyone responds to what we've cooked up. I am particulary curious about the response to our Open Space Process on Tue - Thurs mornings. My fantasy is that many of you will find your "inner leader" and call for sessions that address your needs.
Back to work, Griff.
See you all at the studio, and don't be late!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
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