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. Framing inquiries in relation to the body utilizing science, sociology, psychology and philosophy, I provide resources for personal development and guide individuals in finding 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 and drama. Absolutely no prior movement or arts experience is needed. I offer various frameworks and tools focusing on one or several modalities depending on the wants/needs of the individual or group. I use touch, with informed consent and when appropriate, to facilitate anatomical and physiological awareness, assist in movement development, finding shapes and postures, and demonstrate movement techniques. My training and practice since 1988 has included massage therapy, martial arts, chi gong, meditation, authentic movement, contact improvisation, postmodern, butoh, mixed ability, world and folk dance. I completed expressive arts training with 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/backgrounds welcome. Scholarship and/or work trade are available for most offerings.
Offerings are not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care.
Individual Sessions
private studio/fieldwork-a chosen outdoor location/on site-a chosen indoor location/phone/zoom. 160$ hour/ 260$ two hours
Can include one modality or a combination of somatic training, expressive arts, thalassotherapy/aqua therapy, creative touring. Group rates and individual session package discounts.
email to book
Speaking Engagements, Classes, Workshops by request
I will design a class, workshop, or presentation for your group, organization, event or gathering. I assist groups in visioning and planning projects and events, conflict resolution and team building.
email to inquire
Upcoming Workshops/Events
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 opposites 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.
March 7 movement/stillness
March 21 sound/silence
April 4 yes/no
April 18 recorded/unrecorded*
May 2 awake/asleep
May 16 joy/sorrow
*there will be an option to be videoed/photographed during part of this session.
Spirit Dance
6-7pm, Third Wednesdays(except December) Nov 15, Dec 6, Jan 17, Feb 21, Mar 20, Apr 17, May 15
Unity of the Keys, 1101 Virginia, 5-25$ suggested
Now in our 11th year this practice is found in many similar yet distinct forms many names: contemplative dance, moving meditation, barefoot boogie, journey dance, 5 rhythms, open floor, dance jam, soul motion, ecstatic dance. The non guided, freeform, dance sessions feature a changing, genre hopping, primarily instrumental music set and a supportive environment. Warm up/arrival starting at 5:50pm. No entry after 6:15pm please. Those new or wanting more guidance are welcome to come at 5:30pm. No previous movement or dance training required. A set of guidelines is provided. Adults 18 and over. Alcohol, substance and strong scent free please. Barefoot, socks, or clean dance dedicated footwear of any kind encouraged.
Breast Cancer and Mastectomy Online-Zoom
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
Classes
All weekly classes are on break until 2024 contact for details, private sessions available
Intro to Post Modern and Improv Dance
Thursdays 2-3:30pm February-May, Coffee Mill Dance Studio Annex, 804 White Street, Key West 20$
Sessions begin with Movement Ritual-a structured sequence of movements developed by Anna Halprin to release tension, expand range of movement and spark embodied creativity: floorwork leads into exploration of levels, space and interaction. Introduction to postmodern, improvisation and choreographic scoring. All ages and abilities 18+ "non dancers" especially encouraged. All work can be modified to suit individual needs.
Embodied Living: Self Care and the Expressive Arts
resuming mid January, Thursdays 5-6pm, location tbd
-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, anatomy/physiology, natural movement, writing, drawing and dialogue. All exercises can be done from a seated position with standing and floorwork optional.
Chi Gong
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
Selected Past Events
The Body Mythology of the Breastless: An International Flat Day Workshop and Gathering
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. Friends, partners and community are welcome at all other gathering events throughout the weekend.
Where is the Woman? A Womenfest Workshop
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
Where am I going? How will I get there? Who will I meet along the way? Discover tools and resources for understanding ourselves and our communities from physical, emotional and mental perspectives. We will utilize drawing, writing, natural movement and creative dialogue to embody our experiences and identify challenges, resources, needs and wants.
this workshop will be offered again in 2024 with an expanded format to address safety and civility for all using any modes of transportation on our island
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
-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. Framing inquiries in relation to the body utilizing science, sociology, psychology and philosophy, I provide resources for personal development and guide individuals in finding 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 and drama. Absolutely no prior movement or arts experience is needed. I offer various frameworks and tools focusing on one or several modalities depending on the wants/needs of the individual or group. I use touch, with informed consent and when appropriate, to facilitate anatomical and physiological awareness, assist in movement development, finding shapes and postures, and demonstrate movement techniques. My training and practice since 1988 has included massage therapy, martial arts, chi gong, meditation, authentic movement, contact improvisation, postmodern, butoh, mixed ability, world and folk dance. I completed expressive arts training with 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/backgrounds welcome. Scholarship and/or work trade are available for most offerings.
Offerings are not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care.
Individual Sessions
private studio/fieldwork-a chosen outdoor location/on site-a chosen indoor location/phone/zoom. 160$ hour/ 260$ two hours
Can include one modality or a combination of somatic training, expressive arts, thalassotherapy/aqua therapy, creative touring. Group rates and individual session package discounts.
email to book
Speaking Engagements, Classes, Workshops by request
I will design a class, workshop, or presentation for your group, organization, event or gathering. I assist groups in visioning and planning projects and events, conflict resolution and team building.
email to inquire
Upcoming Workshops/Events
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 opposites 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.
March 7 movement/stillness
March 21 sound/silence
April 4 yes/no
April 18 recorded/unrecorded*
May 2 awake/asleep
May 16 joy/sorrow
*there will be an option to be videoed/photographed during part of this session.
Spirit Dance
6-7pm, Third Wednesdays(except December) Nov 15, Dec 6, Jan 17, Feb 21, Mar 20, Apr 17, May 15
Unity of the Keys, 1101 Virginia, 5-25$ suggested
Now in our 11th year this practice is found in many similar yet distinct forms many names: contemplative dance, moving meditation, barefoot boogie, journey dance, 5 rhythms, open floor, dance jam, soul motion, ecstatic dance. The non guided, freeform, dance sessions feature a changing, genre hopping, primarily instrumental music set and a supportive environment. Warm up/arrival starting at 5:50pm. No entry after 6:15pm please. Those new or wanting more guidance are welcome to come at 5:30pm. No previous movement or dance training required. A set of guidelines is provided. Adults 18 and over. Alcohol, substance and strong scent free please. Barefoot, socks, or clean dance dedicated footwear of any kind encouraged.
Breast Cancer and Mastectomy Online-Zoom
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
Classes
All weekly classes are on break until 2024 contact for details, private sessions available
Intro to Post Modern and Improv Dance
Thursdays 2-3:30pm February-May, Coffee Mill Dance Studio Annex, 804 White Street, Key West 20$
Sessions begin with Movement Ritual-a structured sequence of movements developed by Anna Halprin to release tension, expand range of movement and spark embodied creativity: floorwork leads into exploration of levels, space and interaction. Introduction to postmodern, improvisation and choreographic scoring. All ages and abilities 18+ "non dancers" especially encouraged. All work can be modified to suit individual needs.
Embodied Living: Self Care and the Expressive Arts
resuming mid January, Thursdays 5-6pm, location tbd
-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, anatomy/physiology, natural movement, writing, drawing and dialogue. All exercises can be done from a seated position with standing and floorwork optional.
Chi Gong
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
Selected Past Events
The Body Mythology of the Breastless: An International Flat Day Workshop and Gathering
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. Friends, partners and community are welcome at all other gathering events throughout the weekend.
Where is the Woman? A Womenfest Workshop
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
Where am I going? How will I get there? Who will I meet along the way? Discover tools and resources for understanding ourselves and our communities from physical, emotional and mental perspectives. We will utilize drawing, writing, natural movement and creative dialogue to embody our experiences and identify challenges, resources, needs and wants.
this workshop will be offered again in 2024 with an expanded format to address safety and civility for all using any modes of transportation on our island
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