This year I had the honor of being one of the featured teachers at the Bay Area Circle Dancers California Dance Camp. It is held at Monte Toyon in Aptos. The other teachers came from Tennessee, Mexico and Wales. The theme for my sessions was on how we can access feelings through dance. Music, movement and dance can be be a great way to express one’s self.
Some of the dances I did were: “Joyward”, a dance about gratitude, the Pravo a traditional dance to a song by Moon Alice called “Love Medley”, Number 3, Period to a Zydeco tune called “Don’t Worry” by the Zydeco Flames, Giving and Receiving to “Karev Yom”, “Love is Everything” by Debbie Nargi-Brown -same name for song and dance, The Safe Container to a song by Ludovico Einaudi called “Primavera”, “True Colors” -same name for song and dance, sung by social justice choir Tonality based in Los Angeles, “I don’t Practice I just Play”, song by Betsy Rose, dance also the same name. Embrace the Shadow is a dance that speaks to what is known as our “shadow side”, a concept from Jungian psychology. These are just a few examples.
Some dances where quite fun and playful and some were deep and contemplative. I enjoy variety that ranges from some traditional dances as well as ones I and others have choreographed. I also led a discussion group on how dance has impacted one’s life.
It was a week of re-connecting with old friends and meeting new people. We enjoyed a campfire, morning dance meditation, Cabaret Night, guided nature walks, a mid week excursion, had a clothing swap and, yes some time to relax!
We are doing California Dance Camp next year. Do consider coming–it is a lot of fun!