21st Annual - Week I
June 28 (Sat)- July 3 (Thurs), 2009
Faculty: Daphne Lowell and Alton Wasson

A six-day progression of daily practice. Move or be still in a community of respect, compassion and support. Practice attention and acceptatnce, inner and outer witnessing. Daily warm-ups with live music to enliven consciousness in the body. Sessions using imagination in other media. Time in nature.
Prereqisites: none

Week I is designed to introduce Contemplative Dance/Authentic Movement to people with no previous experience. Through a carefully designed progression we will explore various dimensions of the practice. We will provide close faculty guidance in small groups, honoring the uniqueness of each person. The workshop is both restful and enlivening, playful and meaningful.

Mornings

Guided Movement Meditation
Musical accompaniment by John Sprague
Preparing the body/mind. Releasing tensions, opening channels, and enlivening consciousness in the physical body.

The Core of Contemplative Dance/Authentic Movement
Following the body’s impulses into deeper streams of consciousness through movement and stillness. Practicing attention and acceptance, inner and outer witnessing. Safely entering our own inner worlds in a community of respect,
compassion and support. Reflecting on the experiences to ground and amplify discoveries.

Afternoons

Creative Forming
Inviting the imagination to play in other media – writing, clay, color, story. Diffusing the power of the inner critics.

Dancing in the Collective
The dance of the inner being, playing in community, active witnessing in movement.

Spirit Of Place
Exploring our relation to nature, its cycles, images, demands, possibilities. We will spend time in the natural world and be nourished by it in ways that enhance it as well. Reflecting on inner and outer ecology through movement, meditation and writing.

Evenings

Some evenings we will play and celebrate together. There will be a pot-luck meal, an evening of live music and sacred play, and a ritual closing of the week.

To Apply

20 spaces: available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Apply by May 28, 2009 for $600 reduced tuition, after that $650.

On-campus housing (includes a single room, small kitchen, linens and pillow): $150. No meal plan available.

Limited financial aid available. Inquire soon! Apply by May 15, 2009.

Cancellation Policy:

If we receive notification of cancellation:

By June 1st, 50% of tuition will be refunded
By June 8th, 25% of tuition will be refunded

No tuition refunds will be considered after June 8th except for cases of medical emergency. The deposits for tuition and housing are non-refundable. Balance of fees due June 1st. Make check payable to Contemplative Dance.

Setting – Hampshire College, Amherst, MA

The Hampshire College 800 acre campus features beautiful orchards, woods, meadows and scenic hiking trails in the heart of rural New England, only a few hours away from New York City and Boston.

Two beautiful, clean, air-conditioned, sprung-floored studios provide ample space for the workshops. Housing is available on campus in small apartments. Single rooms with shared baths and kitchens.