Loving Your Body through Somatic Dance

I ran a dance program in a small liberal arts college theatre department for 3 years. I was keenly aware that the purpose of our dancing was not to create a product to be sold, but rather for the development of my students' physical attunement and connection with their bodies. This is still why I dance, teach, and create. When I was looking for models for what I was holding, Jane Hawley shone bright and clear--I met her at an academic conference and immediately recognized what I was seeking. She told stories of many more classically minded dance educators walking out of her presentations, but I was riveted. It's such a joy to bring her to the podcast, to share her with you, and to feel the confluence--the BraveSpace Principles and those of Jane's work, Movement Fundamentals are more similar than different in the scheme of our cultural lens. I believe that by the end of the conversation you'll feel as connected with her as I do, and perhaps more connected to your own creativity too.

In this episode of the Brave Space Podcast, host Matthew Nelson engages in a conversation about how authentic artistry applies to all of us with Jane Hawley, the director of the dance program at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Together, they explore Jane's pioneering approach to dance education which she has been developing and refining over the past 25 years. Unlike the mainstream dance movement, Jane's program is founded on a somatic perspective that includes contact improvisation and integrates life force and spirit into the artistry. They discuss how dancers can learn to love their bodies, expand their creative capacities, and find meaning beyond traditional dance forms through Movement Fundamentals. The conversation also dives into the importance of somatics, the significance of authentic self-expression, and the transformative power of community and witnessing in dance. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the intersections of dance, somatics, and spiritual growth.
00:00 Introduction to the Brave Space Podcast
00:40 Meet Jane Hawley: A Pioneer in Somatic Dance
01:47 The Essence of Somatic Dance
03:01 Jane's Journey: From Traditional to Somatic Dance
08:03 Exploring Movement Vocabulary
09:24 The Role of Contact Improvisation
13:50 Witnessing and Authentic Movement
29:11 Reflective Watching: How Do We Observe?
30:03 Creating Art and Witnessing Each Other
31:21 The Power of Vulnerability and Belonging
32:31 Exploring Authenticity in Performance
32:55 Artistry in Everyday Life
35:04 Rewilding Ourselves
38:52 Spirit and Energy in Artistic Practice
43:32 Body as Primary Source Material
48:06 The Artistry of Living and Giving Back
50:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts