Dance With Cool Kids

It is always so amazing to see a full circle happen in the midst of Prescott College. This time around it happened with a wonderful class dancing with cool kids. In the introduction to dance and improvisation course we have explored so many facets of dance and how to really come to know oneselt and others through this process. On this day in particular, there was so much laughter and silliness mixed in with a really pertinent reflection of how to connect to young people through dance. The group was a mix of fifth and sixth graders, all ready and willing to break out of the box into some active imagining and movement. We danced for hours, all of us creating a playful space in which to really feel the magic of improvisation.

The full circle effect was achieved because of two very awesome people. One is Delisa, the teacher of many dance classes at Prescott College who has a knack for inviting in some of the most amazing dance teachers and opportunities for her students in this visual art. The other is Jen, a Prescott College graduate who now teaches Drama at a local middle school. Through their collaboration the students from both the college and the middle school were able to join together for such a cool experience. The kids in the class kept excitingly saying how much they wanted to dance like this every day, and I was struck by how important it was to give space for their imaginations and bodies to intertwine and allow them to simply be playful kids.

The college students were especially struck by how polite the younger group was, constantly saying thank you. And after a short period of time dancing, it was so beautiful to see the intimacy that was created. Kids holding Prescott College students' hands, giving so many hugs. So much joy. This, this part of being active in the community and truly seeing the philosophies of Prescott College come full circle, is one of the reasons I am so proud to be a student here.  

 

Brittany Davis 6.5.2013