IMPROVISATION & STORYTELLING
Who are you?
What are you made of?
What are you afraid of?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
I once used these questions as an improvisation exercise in one of my classes.
I set up two groups, I faced them and one group watched while the other one
moved and then we switched.
They answered each question without speaking, just putting their bodies, hearts,
memories, emotions to dance.
I played some songs that I really like while they were improvising.
This exchange was one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever had teaching a class.
They were all dancers without much dance experience. Their movements started from a shy,
honest and impulsive place. Free from any pre-existing dance form. Each one telling their story,
getting emotional, inspiring and encouraging each other.
During the exercise, there were tears, openness and the space we shared was energetically
transformed.
I thanked them for having the courage to share their stories so vividly and ended the class.
On the way home I replayed images from the class over and over again. I wondered:
What is the purpose of dance? Why do I dance? Why do I teach? I answered myself:
I dance to treasure moments like today. May the evanescence of dance be imprinted
in my memory and may I remember moments like today.
