Musings of a Dance/Movement Therapist

Pictures of the Octaband at ADTA Conference 2007

These wonderful pictures were taken by my friend, Orit Janco, at my presentation, The Gift of Self: What dance/movement therapists bring to the elderly with dementia, at the ADTA conference in Brooklyn, October 2007. Thank you, Orit.

Break! The Urban Funk Spectacular

I went to see what I found to be a wonderfully inspiring performance last night of Break! The Urban Funk Spectacular. I wasn't sure that I would like it, since I don't like rap, but I do love breakdancing. I love the idea of kids dancing in the streets, and bringing that kind of raw energy into the theatre is very exciting. My favorite was Kenny Muhammed, also known as "The Human Orchestra". At first, it seemed to be more "music" than dance, but as he really got into what he was doing, it was an amazing dance about creating rhythmic sound through the involvement of his own body. It was highly original, and the amount of energy he invested in his performance was extraordinary. The result was my becoming energized, and wondering how to bring something of this energy into my work with the elderly! I'll let you know if I figure out how to do that.

Check him out for yourself. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55C0RirU3yA

I also loved "Locking Q", otherwise known as Kumiko Naito. Her popping was pretty spectacular and she has incredibly precise timing.

From the program, Val Brochard, the director of production said "Their love for this art form is contagious and I promise you that BREAK! will leave you charged up with tons of positive energy!" It definitely did that.