Beckonings and Other Things

As the month of November becomes short, I look forward to welcoming the end of the year, a wrapping-up of fall events and new beginnings.

This morning, I had the pleasure of taking class with Trish, one of my former professors, now dear friend at the UNC School of the Arts. How I enjoyed her brand of careful attention to the body and soul recognition. I especially appreciated her non-stop warm-up, which explored the centers of the body, their relationship to each other while in motion and the relationship between the torso and the efficient, supported use of the extremities. There was breath to be drawn and given away. There was imagination to throw in the mix, and all of this reminds me that we dance not only to entertain others, and to make a living, but to nourish ourselves, too. A world away from the lovely class I took with Brenda last week, this class seemed perfect for the day. I left feeling "put together" and warm. I realize that as the season changes here, my body craves this warmth that only movement and sweat can create more and more. The warmth stays with me all day. I find this movement also, a nice departure from my usual solitary routine, which though it keeps my body warm, and ready to dance, can sometimes get to be too much of routine, if I am not careful to remind myself to play and to explore my body and its movement personalities actively.

Taking these two classes has also opened up some new thoughts in regards to my own teaching. As I become a more seasoned teacher, I can appreciate these classes not only as a student, but as a teacher who recognizes the unique, beautiful gifts each teacher has to offer, and why each different approach and style is of value. The classes make me think about the ways in which I am engaging with my students, and how I might continue to grow in my teaching during the coming years.

This weekend will prove to be a busy one, with the last two 87 Dance Productions events of 2010 happening. Tomorrow, Mackenzie and I will perform on the third installation of the NC Dance Festival in Boone, at Appalachian State University. I am excited that Mackenzie gets to accompany me to this beautiful place. I have performed in Boone twice by myself, and both times, I have been taken with the beauty of the area. Though it isn't somewhere I would think to settle down, it is definitely somewhere worth visiting. I would even relish the thought of a little restful getaway there. Again, we'll be performing 'Words Apart,' and I hope, as always, that we will have a nice reception of the piece. I have found it so gratifying to go through the process of performing on this festival tour with Mackenzie. I have enjoyed sharing with her aspects of this beautiful state that I love! It will be a little sad when our tenure on the tour is over.

On Sunday, my first attempt at a dance for camera festival is happening! I have worked so hard on 'Movies By Movers,' and I hope that it is evident in the evening's events. I'm so glad to hear that most of the filmmakers are coming, which will make our short question/answer session after the showing quite exciting. There's not much more that I can say about it, other than I can hardly wait!

Getting to the tail end of things at High Point U., my classes are polishing up material for their end-of-semester showings. This year, it seems that the showings will be well-attended, and bring us one step closer to having wide interest in a main stage concert for next year. I am very proud of the work my students have done, and I've learned so much from them this semester. I have been challenged, and beckoned out of my comfort zone, and for that, I am grateful. I imagine that next semester will bring with it, many more challenges and beckonings, which I feel wholly ready for. But first, a break! A much needed one, I might add. I have gotten to the point where even putting on my shoes makes me sigh with fatigue.

Thanksgiving day will be for me to relax. I may not even get dressed. Big changes on the way for the new year! more about that as the time comes.

~Cara