Introduction to Contemplative Dance/Authentic Movement

Dates TBA

Hampshire College, Amherst, MA

Faculty: Daphne Lowell and Alton Wasson

Prerequisites: none

Schedule TBA

A five-day progression of daily practice. Move or be still in a community of respect, compassion and support. Practice 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.

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. Those with experience in Contemplative Dance/Authentic Movement are welcome and invited to return to the essential "beginner's mind" of this practice.

Wednesday schedule: Registration 1-2pm; Introductory Session 2:30-4pm; Movement Session: 4:30-6:30pm

Limited to 18 participants.

Mornings

Guided Movement Meditation

Preparing the body/mind. Releasing tensions, opening channels, and enlivening consciousness in the physical body. Live musical accompaniment.

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. There will also be evenings with no programming, giving you an opportunity to explore the surrounding area.

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 shared apartments. Private, single bedrooms with shared bathroom and kitchen. (In the past we have had apartments with 3-5 bedrooms, plus kitchen and 1 bathroom.) Kitchens include stove and refrigerator but no cookware, serving ware, utensils, etc. Linens (sheets, pillow case, towels, 1 pillow, 1 blanket) are provided by the college. Meals are not included in the cost of housing. We will offer a limited supply of cookware and utensils for you to share.

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What to Bring - Summer at Hampshire Info below (PDF)