I’ve been more than a little overwhelmed lately, and I don’t think I’m alone. There are so many challenging/good/terrific things converging all at once, not to mention the abundance of art in the Greater Hartford area this fall. So I’m trying to keep up. In the midst of it all, however, I’ve had a couple of experiences that have reminded me just how powerful this dance thing can be. In addition to teaching the amazing students who have been entrusted to my care this semester, and the performances I’ve bee involved with lately, I have also been invited to share dance with non-dancers on two occasions in the last three weeks. Perhaps civilian-dancers would be a better term. Either way, this experience with people previously untrained in the art of dance has framed my other dance experiences in such a powerful way.
When I was asked to offer a lecture/demonstration about the history of Modern Dance in America to a group of local senior citizens, I had apprehensions for a few reasons, but there was something about the idea of a committee of seniors actively seeking information about dance that drew me in. So, three weeks ago, I visited the senior living community, and had the most amazing conversation with a room full of totally engaged and thoughtful people about the pioneers of American Modern Dance, shared lots of video clips, offered a little social context to frame it all, and had them set the parameters of an improvisation I performed for them to conclude. So much fun!
Then last Friday morning, I lead 5 brief workshops for the staff at Hartford Public Libraries. Many entered the room completely apprehensive, carrying along with them quite a lot of body-fear and the assumption that dance was something reserved for people other than themselves. Nonetheless, in 30 short minutes, they had gathered just enough choreographic tools to craft a micro-dance that unfolded quickly and was entirely exhilarating. Every time a new group entered reluctantly, I thought I was looking at the one group I could not win over with this process, and every time we ended our session with the most stunning little dance. And as if that wasn’t enough, one gentleman–a really big man– walked in for one session with no fear and proceeded to move with incredible grace and agility. He was beautiful. So, who is dance for? All I know is that when I grow up, I want to dance!!!
In the meantime, I want to dance … and I want to witness dance. So maybe you’ll join me in this desire. Tonight’s Works in Progress Showing is one great way to witness the creative process up close. Or next weekend, there’s no shortage of opportunity to take in a wide range of dance experiences. Next Friday and Saturday, 2013 MacArthur Fellow, Kyle Abraham | Abraham.in.Motion performs at Wesleyan University’s Center for the Arts. The Elm City Dance Festival takes place in New Haven next Saturday night as well.
And during the day on Saturday and Sunday, as part of Open Studio Weekend, we’re hosting our 2nd Annual Performance Salon Fest here at The Garden Center. I’m excited to gather this dynamic group of area choreographers to share their work with you. Interestingly, technology plays an important role in this year’s lineup-whether as something to delve into or something to push against. From our screening of dance films by area artists and Arien Wilkerson’s maximal multimedia experiment, to Kelly Silliman’s decidedly “no-tech” tinydance project, the weekend promises to ride the full spectrum. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate our abundance in whatever form it takes.
I look forward to seeing you face to face next weekend,
~Deborah Goffe
