I am taking an improvisational dance class with Frances Wessels this semester. Last week’s exercise was so rewarding. We were asked to chose a limiting space in the dance studio after hauling in a tall desk, two chairs, a park bench, some couch cushions, a few ballet bars, and a piano bench. I chose the rectangular space beneath the desk, no more than 2 feet wide by 3 feet high. I moved freely for fifteen minutes, contorting to fit in the cramped spot. As I got comfortable I became more creative with dynamics, varied movement of different body parts, and felt a full relationship with space.

She then asked us to rotate around the room spending a bit of time in everyone’s chosen spaces.

Squeezed under the park bench and danced with my torso.

Curled under a small desk chair. Wiggled my knees.

Spread myself across a wide door frame.

Window sill tip toeing.

On top of the piano bench. Wrapped myself around each corner.

….

Frances has asked us to keep a journal and write about what movements make us feel good, bad… as something to refer back to… 

It is such a relief come 5:30 every Monday and Wednesday when I get to hear her say, “Give your body to the floor…” and we meditate for five minutes before dancing.