by Rachel Marchica | Apr 13, 2021 | Podcast
“I want each kid to leave the workshops feelings invincible and amazing”
In this episode we speak Boston-based dance and fitness instructor, Taylor Cocco. We discuss the importance of creating a safe space within the classroom, helping students to navigate the pressures and aesthetic norms within dance, exercising for strength instead of appearance goals, and encouraging dancers to trust their bodies. Taylor also shares with us a new female empowerment workshop she has created, “U-CAN.”
About Taylor: Taylor is a passionate and dedicated individual who has been in the education space for the past 9 years. She has a degree from Dean College in the Arts as well as Suffolk University where she studied public relations and communications. Over the past few years, Taylor has found herself working within the school systems, theater groups, and dance studios all around the New England area. She is currently a judge for local dance competitions, a dance educator, 305 fitness instructor and just found her own company, “U CAN.”
U-Can Academy Website: u-can-academy.com
U-Can Academy Instagram: @u.can.academy
by Rachel Marchica | Mar 23, 2021 | Podcast
“It’s about learning how to improve our function which has to do with how to function as a whole person.”
In this episode we speak with Fritha Pengelly. We discuses what the Feldenkrais method is, the various ways in which it can be beneficial for dancers, working with instead of against ourselves, creating more ease in our actions, finding awareness in our movement patterns, and more.
About Fritha Pengelly: Fritha received her M.F.A. in dance with a focus on anatomy and physiology from the University of Washington. She is a guild certified Feldenkrais practitioner, a Certified Ideal Organization and Profound Strength Practitioner, and a Certified Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner based in Northampton, MA. She has over 30 years of dance and movement experience performing with Doug Elkins Dance Company, The Chamber Dance Company, David Neumann, and Wire Monkey Dance.
Fritha’s Website: feldenkraisandmovementarts.com/
by Rachel Marchica | Mar 3, 2021 | Podcast
“Like a musician understands the importance of silence, a dancer must understand the importance of stillness, and yoga can open us up to that aspect of dance.”
In this episode we speak with Tai Jimenez. We discuss the benefits of yoga for dancers, beginning a meditation practice, reaching a flow state of movement, and finding happiness within limitations. Tai also shares challenges that she has faced during her professional career and the creation of a movement meditation called soft pop.
About Tai: Tai is a Professor of Dance at the Boston Conservatory teaching ballet technique. Tai has been a principal dancer with both Dance Theater of Harlem and Boston Ballet. She is also a certified yoga instructor teaching at both JP Yoga and Raquel Mara Movement Collective. She has created a movement meditation called Soft Pop. Additionally, Tai writes about dance, life, and spirituality on her blog taijimenez.com.
Follow Tai on Instagram: taipiyungjimenez
Tai’s Blog: taijimenez.com
Take class with Tai!:
https://www.jpcentreyoga.com/
https://www.raquelmarrayoga.com
by Rachel Marchica | Feb 22, 2021 | Podcast
“The pursuit of being anti-racist is a living state of being.”
In this episode we speak with Dominque Dempsey. We discuss dance as a means of cross-cultural communications, embodied knowledge, and a soft-power. We also speak about ways to create a level playing field in dance classrooms, the importance of understanding the history of dance forms, and not placing an emphasis on any one style being the foundation of all dance.
About Dominque: Dominique also known as the dancing diplomat is a student- researcher, choreographer, innovator and collaborator. She is currently a senior at American University Double majoring in international relations and dance. She is extremely passionate about foreign policy, international arts advocacy and dance accessibility. Dominique founded AU’s chapter of movement exchange which strives to offer accessible dance classes to youth in the local DMV community and to those abroad.
Follow Dominque on Instagram: @ddomodd
Support our podcast: https://www.patreon.com/movementtowardchange
Movementtowardchange.org
Instagram: @movementtowardchange
by Rachel Marchica | Feb 2, 2021 | Podcast
“Life is about staying in the flow, regardless of how the wave comes and hits you.”
In this episode we speak with Gianni Di Marco. We discuses his experience teaching adaptive dance to children with down syndrome and autism, challenging and rewarding aspects when teaching the adaptive population, shifting norms within ballet, letting life lead us, finding motivation during challenging times and more.
About Gianni: Gianni is a professor of dance at the Boston Conservatory teaching ballet technique. He founded the Adaptive Dance program with Michelina Cassella, a program for children with Down Syndrome and Autism, at Boston Ballet Center for Dance Education. He then started the Step by Step! Program for children with autism at the Berklee College of Music Institute for Arts Education and Special Needs. Gianni has danced professionally with many ballet companies, including the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Festival Ballet Providence.
If you have further questions for Gianni, you can contact him through our website.
by Rachel Marchica | Jan 26, 2021 | Podcast
“Being in control of your eating, actually means being able to eat flexibly and spontaneously without denying yourself certain foods, without feeling guilty after eating.”
In this episode we speak with Catherine Drury, LCSW. We discuss common causes of eating disorders and various treatment modalities, how and when to seek help for an eating disorder, working towards a more positive body image, and more.
About Catherine: Catherine is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of New York. She has her Masters of Science in Social Work from Columbia University and has additional training in Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Eating Disorders, Behavioral Activation Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Catherine specializes in supporting dancers and has given workshops and lectures to many dance institutions throughout New York such as the American Ballet Theater Studio company, The Ailey School, Princeton Ballet School, Gibney Dance, and Harkness Center for Dance Injuries.
If you have further questions for Catherine or would like to schedule an appointment you can contact her through her website at http://www.catherinedrury.com.
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