The Atelier
Transform space. Overcome distance.
I have long been enthralled by teachers who are capable of transforming their pupils’ experience of space. The best teachers achieve this not so much through altering the physical setting of instruction, but by enhancing dancers’ awareness and engagement with their own bodies and each other. After more than 15 years as a dance teacher, I finally felt confident that I had the knack for making that magic happen. In packed classes dancers would breathe deeply and with intention, allowing themselves to become fully present and thereby transforming our shared space as a community of creative movers. When class would end with révérence and a big round of applause, I would watch with satisfaction as classmates exchanged sweaty hugs and cheerful face-to-face conversation.
Obviously, COVID has so transformed our sense of space that the scene I’ve described now sounds less like a magical pedagogical moment than an invitation for infection. Our traditional teaching spaces and ways of being together remain unsafe for the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, I continue connecting with students in the ways that really count.
Perhaps it helps that I’ve come to think of COVID-era classes less as “distance learning” and more as “overcoming distance learning”. Sure, part of that includes equipping my studio with the technology that enables me to be as scrupulous as ever with my students. Far more significant, however, is the deceptively simple (you, too, can find your space) yet decisive act of setting aside a space dedicated to our practicing together. I look forward to sharing this space with you.
Former woodshop, now a place for teaching.