Expressive Arts and Somatics - Education & Therapy
I assist people who are:
-On a path of personal development, health improvement or just curious
-In a process of preparation, change or integration
-Recovering from injury or illness, living with disease
-healthcare providers, caregivers, educators, leaders, businesses, organizations, artists, performers
By guiding them in:
-Exploring personal embodiment through their innate creativity
-Discovering, developing and utilizing tools and resources for personal growth
-Navigating self and environment with increased awareness and ease
Often defined simply as study of mind/body connection, somatic practices typically reach beyond a purely physical "workout", stylized and/or competitive goal. In my approach science, sociology, psychology, philosophy and, in some cases, spirituality are all included. The body is recognized as the container of our entire life experience. Challenges and inquiries are framed in relation to the body. The emphasis is on providing resources for personal development and guiding individuals to find their own best answers through the wisdom of the body. The work is experiential-learning happens through doing. My approach is intermodal- switching between different combinations of drawing, movement, writing, creative dialogue, vocalizing, drama and performance/presentation. Absolutely no prior movement or arts experience is needed. Individual and collective experiences and needs are given voice through one’s own innate creativity. I offer various frameworks and tools depending on the needs of the individual or group. Group offerings can include various levels of interaction with exercises structured to provide safety for all participants. I utilize touch, with informed consent and when appropriate, to facilitate awareness, assist in finding postures and identify anatomy. I have studied and practiced somatic based approaches to movement and art for 35 years including massage therapy, martial arts, chi gong, authentic movement, contact improvisation, post modern, and world dance, mixed ability dance, mediation, science and spirituality. I completed expressive arts training with field pioneers Anna and Daria Halprin and am a certified Tamalpa practitioner registered with ISMETA. Having a long relationship with my own creativity and healing and the multimodal approach to both, I am honored to guide and witness others through this work. My offerings are primarily for adults. I do some work with teenagers or parents/caregivers together with their children by request. All bodies/abilities/philosophies/traditions welcome.
Private Sessions
In studio/fieldwork/home visit/phone/zoom. 125$ hour/ 200$ two hours
Can include somatic training, expressive arts, walking, touring/exploring the island, viewing art, skilled life/art dialogue.
email to book
*Private Session Summer Special Sliding Scale Rates*
local residents and remote clients
*June/July/August*
50-125$ hour/125-200$ 2 hours
Speaking Engagements, Classes, Workshops by request
I will design a class, workshop, or presentation for your group or organization
email to inquire
Ongoing Classes
Movement Ritual, Monday 10:30-11:30am, Yoga Sanctuary, 612 Fleming, 20$ Register HERE or in person.
A structured sequence of movements developed by Anna Halprin to release tension, expand range of movement and spark embodied creativity. The focus in on Movement Ritual 1 floorwork with some introduction to MR 2/3 principles. Class begins and/or concludes with with a brief segment of drawing and writing. Materials provided.
Chi Gong Tuesdays 7:30-8:30am, Yoga Sanctuary, 612 Fleming, 20$ register HERE or in person
Gentle energetic warm up exercises which utilize principles of traditional Chinese medicine meridian system to build internal energy, improve balance, strength, mobility and vitality
Embodied Living: Self Care and the Expressive Arts Thursday 6-7pm, William's Hall, 729 Fleming,
15$ register HERE or in person *first class free*
-Explore physical, emotional and mental/spiritual experiences from a body based perspective. -Improve balance, mobility, pain management and emotional well-being. -Navigate self through challenges of aging, injury, disease and change. Classes combine gentle Chinese medicine Chi Gong exercises, meditation, anatomy/physiology, and expressive arts-natural movement, writing, drawing and dialogue. All exercises can be done from a seated position with standing and floorwork options.
Upcoming Workshops/Events
Day Dancing: Freeform Movement and Dance Sessions Saturdays July 1st, August 5th 11:30am-1pm
One Island Family 801 Georgia 20$
How can you dance all day if you don't start in the morning?
Safe, sober, freeform, social dance sessions featuring a wide range of music, a supportive environment and guest dj's. 30 minutes lightly guided improvisation technique. 60 minutes continuous flow. No previous movement or dance training required. Adults 18 and over. No shoes! No booze!-barefoot, grippy socks, or clean dance shoes of some kind encouraged.
Put on Your Red Shoes and Dance the Blues: Saint Vitus Day Dance June 15th Location: TBA/various/worldwide
Celebrating the patron Saint of dancers, actors, comedians, storms, epileptics, spider bites, oversleeping, and suffers of the mysterious dancing plagues of medieval Europe which inspired amongst other things "The Red Shoes"(movie) "The Shoes That Danced Themselves to Pieces"(fairy tale) and "Lets Dance"(song-David Bowie)
1st Annual Key West Bloomsday: The Journey Home in Two Acts
Part One: Wayfinding Friday, June 16th 2-5pm cost tbd
A literary stroll celebrating James Joyce's Ulysses and it's hero Leopold Bloom featuring food and beverages from the book, informal readings and discussion. Based on The Odyssey-Homer’s epic poem of Odysseus’ ten year journey home from the Trojan War- Ulysses takes place all on one day in Dublin: June 16th, 1904. You need not have read the book only please have some interest. In honor of Leopold, the focus of this event is not on over imbibing. Non alcoholic options available. Limited to 20. Reservations required. email to register. fb page/more info here
Part Two: Yes, Yes, Yes! Friday, June 16th, 5-7pm Lost Boy/Bearded Lady, Open to all! A creative literary gathering celebrating the conclusion of Leopold's very long day. Readings from Molly's soliloquy, music, personal stories and general merry making. Interested in reading or performing? email for details and sign up
Breast Cancer and Mastectomy Choices July 2023 date/time TBA, Location: online
Breast cancer diagnosis or prophylactic measure presents difficult choices. This workshop is for women in process of making a choice, preparing for surgery, recovering from surgery and/or processing choices they made. We will use expressive arts to discover personal perspective and resources. email to register
International Flat Day Workshop October 7th, 2023 time/location TBA
Expressive arts workshop for women with breast cancer who have had uni/bi lateral mastectomy to flat, who have challenges with their reconstruction and are considering going flat, are considering a prophylactic mastectomy or have a diagnosis and are considering options.
Recent Workshops/Events:
The Somatic Creative Path: My Journey To Now, Sunday May 7trh, 11am, One Island Family Unitarian Fellowship, 801 Georgia Street
presentation/performance and expressive arts exercises woven into service. All philosophies/traditions welcome.
Pathways and Crossroads: Navigating Self and Environment-Expressive Arts in Community Life, May 28th, 1-3pm, Unity of The Keys, 1101 Virginia, suggested love offering 25$
Discover tools and resources for understanding ourselves and our communities from physical, emotional and mental/spiritual perspectives. We will utilize drawing, writing, natural movement and creative dialogue to embody our experiences and identify challenges, resources, needs and wants. Absolutely no prior arts or movement experience required. All bodies/philosophies/traditions welcome. Bring a journal/drawing pad/drawing materials or use provided.
Services offered are not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care or attention.
-On a path of personal development, health improvement or just curious
-In a process of preparation, change or integration
-Recovering from injury or illness, living with disease
-healthcare providers, caregivers, educators, leaders, businesses, organizations, artists, performers
By guiding them in:
-Exploring personal embodiment through their innate creativity
-Discovering, developing and utilizing tools and resources for personal growth
-Navigating self and environment with increased awareness and ease
Often defined simply as study of mind/body connection, somatic practices typically reach beyond a purely physical "workout", stylized and/or competitive goal. In my approach science, sociology, psychology, philosophy and, in some cases, spirituality are all included. The body is recognized as the container of our entire life experience. Challenges and inquiries are framed in relation to the body. The emphasis is on providing resources for personal development and guiding individuals to find their own best answers through the wisdom of the body. The work is experiential-learning happens through doing. My approach is intermodal- switching between different combinations of drawing, movement, writing, creative dialogue, vocalizing, drama and performance/presentation. Absolutely no prior movement or arts experience is needed. Individual and collective experiences and needs are given voice through one’s own innate creativity. I offer various frameworks and tools depending on the needs of the individual or group. Group offerings can include various levels of interaction with exercises structured to provide safety for all participants. I utilize touch, with informed consent and when appropriate, to facilitate awareness, assist in finding postures and identify anatomy. I have studied and practiced somatic based approaches to movement and art for 35 years including massage therapy, martial arts, chi gong, authentic movement, contact improvisation, post modern, and world dance, mixed ability dance, mediation, science and spirituality. I completed expressive arts training with field pioneers Anna and Daria Halprin and am a certified Tamalpa practitioner registered with ISMETA. Having a long relationship with my own creativity and healing and the multimodal approach to both, I am honored to guide and witness others through this work. My offerings are primarily for adults. I do some work with teenagers or parents/caregivers together with their children by request. All bodies/abilities/philosophies/traditions welcome.
Private Sessions
In studio/fieldwork/home visit/phone/zoom. 125$ hour/ 200$ two hours
Can include somatic training, expressive arts, walking, touring/exploring the island, viewing art, skilled life/art dialogue.
email to book
*Private Session Summer Special Sliding Scale Rates*
local residents and remote clients
*June/July/August*
50-125$ hour/125-200$ 2 hours
Speaking Engagements, Classes, Workshops by request
I will design a class, workshop, or presentation for your group or organization
email to inquire
Ongoing Classes
Movement Ritual, Monday 10:30-11:30am, Yoga Sanctuary, 612 Fleming, 20$ Register HERE or in person.
A structured sequence of movements developed by Anna Halprin to release tension, expand range of movement and spark embodied creativity. The focus in on Movement Ritual 1 floorwork with some introduction to MR 2/3 principles. Class begins and/or concludes with with a brief segment of drawing and writing. Materials provided.
Chi Gong Tuesdays 7:30-8:30am, Yoga Sanctuary, 612 Fleming, 20$ register HERE or in person
Gentle energetic warm up exercises which utilize principles of traditional Chinese medicine meridian system to build internal energy, improve balance, strength, mobility and vitality
Embodied Living: Self Care and the Expressive Arts Thursday 6-7pm, William's Hall, 729 Fleming,
15$ register HERE or in person *first class free*
-Explore physical, emotional and mental/spiritual experiences from a body based perspective. -Improve balance, mobility, pain management and emotional well-being. -Navigate self through challenges of aging, injury, disease and change. Classes combine gentle Chinese medicine Chi Gong exercises, meditation, anatomy/physiology, and expressive arts-natural movement, writing, drawing and dialogue. All exercises can be done from a seated position with standing and floorwork options.
Upcoming Workshops/Events
Day Dancing: Freeform Movement and Dance Sessions Saturdays July 1st, August 5th 11:30am-1pm
One Island Family 801 Georgia 20$
How can you dance all day if you don't start in the morning?
Safe, sober, freeform, social dance sessions featuring a wide range of music, a supportive environment and guest dj's. 30 minutes lightly guided improvisation technique. 60 minutes continuous flow. No previous movement or dance training required. Adults 18 and over. No shoes! No booze!-barefoot, grippy socks, or clean dance shoes of some kind encouraged.
Put on Your Red Shoes and Dance the Blues: Saint Vitus Day Dance June 15th Location: TBA/various/worldwide
Celebrating the patron Saint of dancers, actors, comedians, storms, epileptics, spider bites, oversleeping, and suffers of the mysterious dancing plagues of medieval Europe which inspired amongst other things "The Red Shoes"(movie) "The Shoes That Danced Themselves to Pieces"(fairy tale) and "Lets Dance"(song-David Bowie)
1st Annual Key West Bloomsday: The Journey Home in Two Acts
Part One: Wayfinding Friday, June 16th 2-5pm cost tbd
A literary stroll celebrating James Joyce's Ulysses and it's hero Leopold Bloom featuring food and beverages from the book, informal readings and discussion. Based on The Odyssey-Homer’s epic poem of Odysseus’ ten year journey home from the Trojan War- Ulysses takes place all on one day in Dublin: June 16th, 1904. You need not have read the book only please have some interest. In honor of Leopold, the focus of this event is not on over imbibing. Non alcoholic options available. Limited to 20. Reservations required. email to register. fb page/more info here
Part Two: Yes, Yes, Yes! Friday, June 16th, 5-7pm Lost Boy/Bearded Lady, Open to all! A creative literary gathering celebrating the conclusion of Leopold's very long day. Readings from Molly's soliloquy, music, personal stories and general merry making. Interested in reading or performing? email for details and sign up
Breast Cancer and Mastectomy Choices July 2023 date/time TBA, Location: online
Breast cancer diagnosis or prophylactic measure presents difficult choices. This workshop is for women in process of making a choice, preparing for surgery, recovering from surgery and/or processing choices they made. We will use expressive arts to discover personal perspective and resources. email to register
International Flat Day Workshop October 7th, 2023 time/location TBA
Expressive arts workshop for women with breast cancer who have had uni/bi lateral mastectomy to flat, who have challenges with their reconstruction and are considering going flat, are considering a prophylactic mastectomy or have a diagnosis and are considering options.
Recent Workshops/Events:
The Somatic Creative Path: My Journey To Now, Sunday May 7trh, 11am, One Island Family Unitarian Fellowship, 801 Georgia Street
presentation/performance and expressive arts exercises woven into service. All philosophies/traditions welcome.
Pathways and Crossroads: Navigating Self and Environment-Expressive Arts in Community Life, May 28th, 1-3pm, Unity of The Keys, 1101 Virginia, suggested love offering 25$
Discover tools and resources for understanding ourselves and our communities from physical, emotional and mental/spiritual perspectives. We will utilize drawing, writing, natural movement and creative dialogue to embody our experiences and identify challenges, resources, needs and wants. Absolutely no prior arts or movement experience required. All bodies/philosophies/traditions welcome. Bring a journal/drawing pad/drawing materials or use provided.
Services offered are not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care or attention.