“People seem to have been convening to move in unison, or at least on the same beat for a couple of millenniums. This has been one of our species’ surest means of sustaining communities. Ideals are always involved; but keeping together in time arouses warm emotions of collective solidarity and erases personal frustrations as words, by themselves, cannot do.”

From William H. McNeill “Keeping Together in Time”

I started teaching when I was a teenager. It was something that came naturally to me and has become my life’s work in many ways. My teachers and mentors (especially Kazuko Hirabayashi, Jim May, Margy Beals, Trish Arnold, John Broome and Merry Conway) encouraged me to be myself. I watched and learned from them in a fluid and enjoyable way because they were truly themselves. Their trust and faith in me as an artist gave me strength and confidence, and I have carried their wisdom with me for a long time.

For me teaching is all about making things come alive in an open space.

“You can either ignore what’s around you or pay attention. And when you pay attention, you get a present. Lots of things I see seem to say, ‘make me.’. “

Kiki Smith

A variety of sources can inspire movement. There is a language that our bodies speak. It can be imaginatively lucid and filled with gesture and symbolism. Every second of our life has movement that gives hints, and clues to what and who we are. We were born with the beauty of action-heartbeat, breath, and motion.

The desire to move freely with meaning and a purpose is at the heart of what I teach. I am most interested in offering a path of discovery to witness the joy and humor imbedded in humanity and nature. By creating a space for people to be surprised by the lively and passionate expression that comes from our hearts and minds. Rhythm is key. Breath is key. Structure is key. Curiosity is key. And renewed trust in the gifts we are given from the beginning is my goal when I teach.

“Our body moves in order to satisfy a need. We move therefore we live. “

Rudolf Laban