Dance Poetry is an ancient form but new to me. On April 19, 2013 I had the thrilling experience of reciting my poem with the inter-generational dance company, Dance Generators, as part of their University of San Francisco’s spring semester class. The dancers ranged in age from 20 to 80, so at 78, I fit right in.
My Poem “To Die of Joy in the River”,
My poem, “To Die of Joy in the River”, about the water cycle also fit right into the Dance Generator’s “The Signature of Water” concert performance. Inspired by the 12th Century poet Rumi, my poem embraces his love of ecstatic experience. The poem appears in my book Heart Strong, Selected Poems 2000-2013. This poem, as part of the larger performance, gave the dancers an opportunity to express their semester long exploration through dance of the importance of water in our lives and the threat posed by modern life to its purity. During our two rehearsal sessions the dancers created improvisational movement within the framework set by the inspiring and supportative teacher/choreographer Natalie Greene. I was honored to participate with such dedicated dancers and lovely people.
MEDIA – For photos & interviews: Paul Richards (510) 967 5577; paulrichards@estuarypress.com
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