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
-Living with injury, illness, 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 mind/body practices, somatics typically reach beyond a "workout", stylized and/or competitive goal. I frame inquiries in relation to the body utilizing science, sociology, psychology, philosophy and, in some cases spirituality. The emphasis is on providing resources for personal development and guiding individuals to find their own best answers through the wisdom of the body and their innate creativity. The process is intermodal- switching between some combination of drawing, movement, writing, creative dialogue, vocalizing, drama and performance/presentation. Absolutely no prior movement or arts experience is needed. I offer various frameworks and tools depending on the needs of the individual or group. I use touch, with informed consent and when appropriate, to facilitate awareness in the body, assist in finding postures, and demonstrate interactive movement techniques. I have studied and practiced somatic approaches to movement and visual art for over 35 years including massage therapy, martial arts, chi gong, authentic movement, contact improvisation, post modern, and world dance, mixed ability dance and mediation. 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 over 18. Under 18 by request. All bodies/abilities/philosophies/traditions/backgrounds welcome.
Individual Sessions
In studio/fieldwork/on site/phone/zoom. 160$ hour/ 260$ two hours
Can include somatic training, expressive arts, creative touring. Group rate on short or full sessions for gatherings and events.
email to book
*Private Session Summer Special Sliding Scale Rates*
local residents and remote clients
*June through September*
from 50$ hour/90$ 2 hours
Speaking Engagements, Classes, Workshops by request
I will design a class, workshop, or presentation for your group, organization, event or gathering.
email to inquire
Classes and Workshops October 2023-May 2024 Schedule
Note: no classes Thanksgiving week/December 22nd-January 9th
Embodied Living: Self Care and the Expressive Arts
resumes October 5th
Thursdays 6-7pm, William's Hall, 729 Fleming St, Key West
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 through challenges of aging, injury, disease and change. Classes include somatic (mind/body) training, meditation, anatomy/physiology, natural movement, writing, drawing and dialogue. All exercises can be done from a seated position with standing and floorwork optional. Bring journal/sketchbook and drawing materials or use provided.
Movement Ritual and Post Modern Dance
Resumes November 1st New Location
Wednesdays 10:30am-12pm Coffee Mill Dance Studio Annex, 804 White Street, Key West 20$
A structured sequence of movements developed by Anna Halprin to release tension, expand range of movement and spark embodied creativity. Gentle internal floorwork leads into exploring levels, space and interaction. Introduction to postmodern principles, choreographic scoring, improvisation and expressive arts. All ages, abilities 18+ "non dancers" especially encouraged. Loose comfortable clothing recommended.
Chi Gong
Resumes November 1st New Location
Wednesdays 9-10am, William's Hall. 15$ register here or in person
Gentle energetic warm up exercises which utilize principles of traditional Chinese medicine and the meridian system to build internal energy, improve balance, strength, mobility and vitality
Spirit Dance
6-7pm, Third Wednesdays Oct 18, Nov 15, Dec 20, Jan 17, Unity of the Keys, 1101 Virginia, suggested love offering 5-25$
Celebrating our 10th anniversary year, Spirit Dance returns to Unity at a new evening time in the beautiful large sanctuary! Non guided, freeform, dance sessions featuring a changing, genre hopping, primarily instrumental music set and a supportive environment. Warm up/arrival starting at 5:50pm. Entry closes at 6:15pm. Those new or wanting more guidance are welcome to arrive at 5:30pm. No previous movement or dance training required. Adults 18 and over. Substance and scent free please. No shoes, No booze!-barefoot, socks(safe on the carpet), or clean dance dedicated footwear of any kind.
Workshops/Events
The Body Mythology of the Breastless: An International Flat Day Workshop and Gathering
Workshop: 10am-12pm October 7th, 2023 Unity of the Keys. 30-80$ Suggested no one turned away
Gathering: October 6-8, 2023 Key West, Fl
International Flat day is dedicated to presenting Aesthetic Flat Closure AKA "going flat" as an equal option to reconstruction. This workshop is for those who have had uni or bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction due to cancer diagnosis or prophylactic measure and those in overlapping communities who personally connect to the theme of brestlessness or being flat at any point in their journey and feel this workshop would be beneficial. Friends, partners and community are welcome at all other gathering events throughout the weekend. More information on Facebook event page HERE. Questions and preregistration HERE
Duality, Aesthetics and Expressive Arts
10am-12pm, 1st and 3rd Thursdays March/April/May 2024 The Studios of Key West
A series of workshops exploring juxtaposition and an expansive approach to art appreciation through drawing, creative writing, embodied anatomy, somatic movement, dialogue and improvisation. Building on a foundation of Tamalpa technique we will develop personal perspectives and resources for navigating ourselves and our environments. Absolutely no prior movement or arts training required. Open to adults all ages/abilities/backgrounds. Stand alone sessions; attend any or all. First and third Thursdays
March 7 movement/stillness
March 21 sound/silence
April 4 yes/no
April 18 recorded/unrecorded*
May 2 awake/asleep
May 16 joy/sorrow
*Optional video/photography during part of this session.
Breast Cancer and Mastectomy Online-Zoom
Next is October 17th then Bi monthly Second Tuesdays, Dec 12 2023, Feb 13, April 9, June 11 2024, by donation
Breast cancer diagnosis and/or genetic/family history present challenging choices. This bi monthly session is for women in process of making decisions, preparing for surgery, recovering from surgery and/or processing choices made. We will use expressive arts to discover new personal perspective and resources. materials: basic paper and colors-crayon, pastel, pencil email to register
Day Dancing
Resuming in January 2024. dates/locations TBA
Mornings, monthly, 2 hours, sliding scale 10-40$
How can you dance all day if you don't start in the morning?
Freeform, dance sessions featuring genre hopping, instrumental focused sounds in a supportive environment. Full set of non guided flow featuring guest DJ's and live musicians. No previous movement or dance training required. Adults 18 and over. Substance and sent free please. No shoes! No booze!-barefoot, grippy socks(slippery floor), or clean dance shoes of some kind.
Selected Past Events
Where is the Woman? A Womenfest Workshop
Friday September 8th, 9:30-11am Unity of the Keys , 1011 Virginia Street, love offering $30 suggested
In a supportive container, we will locate ourselves as women from physical, emotional, and mental perspectives. Doors open at 9am for arrival and settling in. Optional freeform movement session/additional creative time following workshop from 11:15am-12pm
The Somatic Creative Path: My Journey To Now,
Sunday May 7trh, 11am, One Island Family Unitarian Fellowship, 801 Georgia Street
presentation of personal background, education and training with expressive arts exercises woven into service.
Pathways and Crossroads: Navigating Self and Environment-Expressive Arts in Community Life, May 28th, 1-3pm, Unity of The Keys, 1101 Virginia, suggested love offering 25$
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.
1st Annual Key West Bloomsday: The Journey Home in Two Acts
Friday, June 16th 2-5pm
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. Readings, music, personal stories and general merry making. Interested in reading or performing? email fb page here
Scholarship and work trade are available for most offerings. class/workshop/event assistant needed
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
-Living with injury, illness, 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 mind/body practices, somatics typically reach beyond a "workout", stylized and/or competitive goal. I frame inquiries in relation to the body utilizing science, sociology, psychology, philosophy and, in some cases spirituality. The emphasis is on providing resources for personal development and guiding individuals to find their own best answers through the wisdom of the body and their innate creativity. The process is intermodal- switching between some combination of drawing, movement, writing, creative dialogue, vocalizing, drama and performance/presentation. Absolutely no prior movement or arts experience is needed. I offer various frameworks and tools depending on the needs of the individual or group. I use touch, with informed consent and when appropriate, to facilitate awareness in the body, assist in finding postures, and demonstrate interactive movement techniques. I have studied and practiced somatic approaches to movement and visual art for over 35 years including massage therapy, martial arts, chi gong, authentic movement, contact improvisation, post modern, and world dance, mixed ability dance and mediation. 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 over 18. Under 18 by request. All bodies/abilities/philosophies/traditions/backgrounds welcome.
Individual Sessions
In studio/fieldwork/on site/phone/zoom. 160$ hour/ 260$ two hours
Can include somatic training, expressive arts, creative touring. Group rate on short or full sessions for gatherings and events.
email to book
*Private Session Summer Special Sliding Scale Rates*
local residents and remote clients
*June through September*
from 50$ hour/90$ 2 hours
Speaking Engagements, Classes, Workshops by request
I will design a class, workshop, or presentation for your group, organization, event or gathering.
email to inquire
Classes and Workshops October 2023-May 2024 Schedule
Note: no classes Thanksgiving week/December 22nd-January 9th
Embodied Living: Self Care and the Expressive Arts
resumes October 5th
Thursdays 6-7pm, William's Hall, 729 Fleming St, Key West
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 through challenges of aging, injury, disease and change. Classes include somatic (mind/body) training, meditation, anatomy/physiology, natural movement, writing, drawing and dialogue. All exercises can be done from a seated position with standing and floorwork optional. Bring journal/sketchbook and drawing materials or use provided.
Movement Ritual and Post Modern Dance
Resumes November 1st New Location
Wednesdays 10:30am-12pm Coffee Mill Dance Studio Annex, 804 White Street, Key West 20$
A structured sequence of movements developed by Anna Halprin to release tension, expand range of movement and spark embodied creativity. Gentle internal floorwork leads into exploring levels, space and interaction. Introduction to postmodern principles, choreographic scoring, improvisation and expressive arts. All ages, abilities 18+ "non dancers" especially encouraged. Loose comfortable clothing recommended.
Chi Gong
Resumes November 1st New Location
Wednesdays 9-10am, William's Hall. 15$ register here or in person
Gentle energetic warm up exercises which utilize principles of traditional Chinese medicine and the meridian system to build internal energy, improve balance, strength, mobility and vitality
Spirit Dance
6-7pm, Third Wednesdays Oct 18, Nov 15, Dec 20, Jan 17, Unity of the Keys, 1101 Virginia, suggested love offering 5-25$
Celebrating our 10th anniversary year, Spirit Dance returns to Unity at a new evening time in the beautiful large sanctuary! Non guided, freeform, dance sessions featuring a changing, genre hopping, primarily instrumental music set and a supportive environment. Warm up/arrival starting at 5:50pm. Entry closes at 6:15pm. Those new or wanting more guidance are welcome to arrive at 5:30pm. No previous movement or dance training required. Adults 18 and over. Substance and scent free please. No shoes, No booze!-barefoot, socks(safe on the carpet), or clean dance dedicated footwear of any kind.
Workshops/Events
The Body Mythology of the Breastless: An International Flat Day Workshop and Gathering
Workshop: 10am-12pm October 7th, 2023 Unity of the Keys. 30-80$ Suggested no one turned away
Gathering: October 6-8, 2023 Key West, Fl
International Flat day is dedicated to presenting Aesthetic Flat Closure AKA "going flat" as an equal option to reconstruction. This workshop is for those who have had uni or bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction due to cancer diagnosis or prophylactic measure and those in overlapping communities who personally connect to the theme of brestlessness or being flat at any point in their journey and feel this workshop would be beneficial. Friends, partners and community are welcome at all other gathering events throughout the weekend. More information on Facebook event page HERE. Questions and preregistration HERE
Duality, Aesthetics and Expressive Arts
10am-12pm, 1st and 3rd Thursdays March/April/May 2024 The Studios of Key West
A series of workshops exploring juxtaposition and an expansive approach to art appreciation through drawing, creative writing, embodied anatomy, somatic movement, dialogue and improvisation. Building on a foundation of Tamalpa technique we will develop personal perspectives and resources for navigating ourselves and our environments. Absolutely no prior movement or arts training required. Open to adults all ages/abilities/backgrounds. Stand alone sessions; attend any or all. First and third Thursdays
March 7 movement/stillness
March 21 sound/silence
April 4 yes/no
April 18 recorded/unrecorded*
May 2 awake/asleep
May 16 joy/sorrow
*Optional video/photography during part of this session.
Breast Cancer and Mastectomy Online-Zoom
Next is October 17th then Bi monthly Second Tuesdays, Dec 12 2023, Feb 13, April 9, June 11 2024, by donation
Breast cancer diagnosis and/or genetic/family history present challenging choices. This bi monthly session is for women in process of making decisions, preparing for surgery, recovering from surgery and/or processing choices made. We will use expressive arts to discover new personal perspective and resources. materials: basic paper and colors-crayon, pastel, pencil email to register
Day Dancing
Resuming in January 2024. dates/locations TBA
Mornings, monthly, 2 hours, sliding scale 10-40$
How can you dance all day if you don't start in the morning?
Freeform, dance sessions featuring genre hopping, instrumental focused sounds in a supportive environment. Full set of non guided flow featuring guest DJ's and live musicians. No previous movement or dance training required. Adults 18 and over. Substance and sent free please. No shoes! No booze!-barefoot, grippy socks(slippery floor), or clean dance shoes of some kind.
Selected Past Events
Where is the Woman? A Womenfest Workshop
Friday September 8th, 9:30-11am Unity of the Keys , 1011 Virginia Street, love offering $30 suggested
In a supportive container, we will locate ourselves as women from physical, emotional, and mental perspectives. Doors open at 9am for arrival and settling in. Optional freeform movement session/additional creative time following workshop from 11:15am-12pm
The Somatic Creative Path: My Journey To Now,
Sunday May 7trh, 11am, One Island Family Unitarian Fellowship, 801 Georgia Street
presentation of personal background, education and training with expressive arts exercises woven into service.
Pathways and Crossroads: Navigating Self and Environment-Expressive Arts in Community Life, May 28th, 1-3pm, Unity of The Keys, 1101 Virginia, suggested love offering 25$
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.
1st Annual Key West Bloomsday: The Journey Home in Two Acts
Friday, June 16th 2-5pm
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. Readings, music, personal stories and general merry making. Interested in reading or performing? email fb page here
Scholarship and work trade are available for most offerings. class/workshop/event assistant needed
Services offered are not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care or attention.