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 Greetings!
Lately,
when I step into an R&M Dance Workout class, I'm greeted with a
rush of positive energy that's part exuberant dance and part communal
ritual. As the year winds down, I'm aware that in 2009 Rhythm and
Motion will be celebrating its 30th anniversary, inspiring me to
reflect on the past and look forward to our shared future. While a
few students of course remember, most of you would be surprised to
witness a class as it was in the early years.
In 1979 there were just two teachers, Cathy Hebert and myself. We
began by hauling in a thirty-pound "portable" turntable and
speaker, along with a shoulder bag of 45 RPM records. As students
arrived, a ticket taker collected vouchers torn from little books
made by my mother and aunt. Class began, and in between routines we
called out directions, changed records, and sometimes balanced
pennies on the stylus to keep it from skipping, as jumps and
footfalls made the whole floor shake. When we danced in circles, we
modified leaps into skips as we passed the record player, for fear of
making the likes of Prince, Cindy Lauper or the Pointer Sisters miss
a verse.
There have been so many positive innovations. We have a new home at
ODC Commons with a vital communal space, showers, and ample,
beautiful studios. We are in a fruitful and expansive partnership
with both ODC School and a growing number of dancers, artists,
musicians, and community activists. Many new R&M teachers have
joined us, yet all still embody the spirit of grounded, accessible
dance combined with the highest levels of professionalism. We love
our teachers!
As we move into Rhythm & Motion's 30th year, I'm also deeply
appreciating you, the participants who make R&M thrive. When I
see you circling around the dance floor, a smile on your sweating,
glowing face, or we exchange a word or hug in passing, I feel so very
fortunate to have contributed in some way to your continued health
and well-being.
Thank you, and best of luck in the coming year!
Sincerely,
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R&M D ance
Workout News
Changing Times
You've probably already noticed some changes with R&M dance
teachers and classes. Here's the latest guide to who's on what at ODC
Commons. Any times/teachers not listed remain the same.
Tuesdays
and Thursdays
Join Peter Rothblatt
at 10am for Extended Fusion Rhythms where you can
move deeply and laugh while enjoying the "how to" of dance.
Wendy
Rein, co-director of RAWdance, shares her passion,
energy and bright smile through Modern Rhythms at 4:30pm (and also
Essential Modern Rhythms at 5:30pm on Thursdays!). End your day with Eyla Moore
at 5:30pm with a funky yet welcoming Fusion Rhythms experience.
Weekends
Celebrate Friday with Maria DeLeo
at 6pm Fusion Rhythms who returns from Spain full of vivacious warmth
and inspirational instruction. Maria
also offers insight into R&M choreography during Essential
Rhythms on Sundays at 10am. If you haven't seen Rami Morgan's
James Brown moves or felt her contagious joy, treat yourself any
Sunday at 5:30pm.
Welcoming Susan
While Susan Tobiason
has been in the dance community for years, we are thrilled to welcome
her as an R&M instructor. Susan's dance background is as
versatile as the R&M classes she'll be substituting for--thanks,
Susan, for your constant flexibility!
For more information, call 415-863-9830 x100
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One of the gifts of growing up in San Francisco is that
I discovered Rhythm & Motion Dance Program at 15 years-old. Almost
twenty-five years later, minus a few lapses, dancing at R&M has
been a constant source of meaning. While I stretch, arch and leap, I
also learn. Here are some life lessons R&M dance classes have
taught me over the years.
Fun nourishes
my soul. While my two tweenage kids roll their eyes
when I shimmy around the house, R&M dance class invites me to
play. Participating in the joy of dance has developed my appetite for
soul satisfying experiences. I feed my happiness as often as
possible.
Realizing
choice is always an option. Okay, so
sometimes I come to class tired. But at some point as my grumpy mind
drifts, a teacher smiles, a great tune plays or a dance move inspires
and I remember choice. I can either stay tired or start over. I can't
always change the circumstances around me, but I can shift my
attitude. What a difference a choice makes.
Stay
balanced in the present moment.
Sometimes while dancing to a familiar song, I think, "Damn, I've
got this one down. I'm good." Then I usually stumble. My
inner critic cracks, "Helllloooo, get with it!" I'm now
twirling opposite from everyone with the teacher sending an
encouraging glance my way. These ego bending moments remind me to pay
attention so I can find my feet and a sense of humor. Getting
too far ahead of myself most often leaves me stuck in the wrong
direction.
Discovering
potential means taking risks. Just by
showing up to an R&M class, I stretch beyond my comfort zone.
Despite the R&M constant welcome, my perfectionist within can be
mean, "You're no thin professional dancer. You can't learn this
routine. You're getting old." Moving beyond perceived
limitations to say yes to R&M teaches me how to explore
possibility-inside and out.
Embracing
sensuality celebrates body. Like most
15 year-old girls, when I started Rhythm & Motion I was steeped
in mainstream messages aimed at objectifying my female body. Dancing
at R&M surrounded by mostly women in a playful encouraging
atmosphere modeled healthy sensuality. To this day, the R&M
community of teachers, staff, students and the class itself, inspires
me to glory in my curves. Celebrating sensuality in this way is
a priceless gift of freedom.
Staci Boden is founder of Dancing-Tree Consulting, a
resource for individuals, groups and organizations to realize
potential in life and business. With services ranging from guided
visualization and body movement to organizational assessment and
on-site employee training, Dancing-Tree Consulting helps clients
transform projects, decisions and relationships. Staci has been
enjoying R&M dance since 1985 and has recently become Editor of
R&M's e-newsletter.
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Consuelo, Samantha, Dudley, Alex and Staci
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