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.