Author Archives: ilana

Spring Workshops

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I enjoyed teaching this Spring and hope to continue these offerings in the Fall.  Check back soon!

Peer-feedback Workshop for Artists: March 24 at 11am 
InterUrban ArtHouse
Register here
For creatives out there looking to up the ante in 2018, join us for some objective, non-directorial feedback given peer-to-peer.  This structure called Fieldwork provides a safe space where you can learn what your audience sees, feels, and hears in response to your art.  

Artists are encouraged to bring works in progress that are ready to share for feedback.  Visual and performance works of all mediums, genres, and stages of development welcome.  The session will be facilitated by dance artist Ilana Silverstein.

Reset the Body & Mind with Guided Imagery: March 20 at 3pm l April 13 at 10am
Turning Point KC
To register, call 913-574-0900 at least 48 hours in advance
Through deep breathing and guided imagery, participants will become more aware of the whole body and let go of stress.  This workshop is open to all, caregivers included, who are looking to increase morale, improve sleeping, defuse anxiety and decrease pain.  Participants will learn calming visualization and gentle stretching techniques to use at home and in the workplace.  

Mindful Dance: May 2 at 2:30pm
Turning Point KC
To register, call 913-574-0900 at least 48 hours in advance
Be Mindful; Be Moving; Be Well. 
-R.L. Goldberg, MD, President, Medstar Medical Group 

Did you know that the benefits of dance extend beyond exercise and fun times at parties? Dancing improves our interpersonal skills, ignites our imagination, reminds us to breathe, builds community, and improves our knowledge of our bodies.  This class is open to anyone interested in expanding your meditation practice to include movement or being more mindful as you move through your day. No previous experience required.

 

 

Our Stories

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Hi Jeffrey!  I just finished your book and felt so compelled to write and now I am on my couch, paralyzed, my fingernails hovering over the keyboard.  This resistance to write feels as strong as my desire to blow my heart wide open and spill words onto this screen.  I appreciate how you included these episodes in your book.  Very real.  Very present at this stage of my life.  Two moments will stay with me from the last few chapters.  They are affirming moments.  Connecting to something bigger, rising above the noise,  expressing our true selves and helping others do the same.  

APRIL 21, 2016: We were all dancing.  “Jill said, ‘Can someone in Sound put on some Prince?’ The music came on and everyone started dancing”  (Tambor, p261).  Against all odds, despite all of the work we had to do, Leah and I too blasted Prince in Kelly King’s studio.  I am reacquainting with the joyful part of dance – the most important part!  I felt it at the end of our performance Friday night and then Sunday at Ecstatic Dance.  I love the nonverbal cosmic connection of dancing in a big group of people (even if that big group of people is miles away dancing at the very same moment – like Tia Nina and the cast of Transparent!  Or, like the global underscore.  

“One by one, each student got up onstage and told their story. … Acting and comedy were about saving lives.  My dad use to say, ‘Be useful.’ This was useful” (Tambor, 268).  This statement gives so much weight to the creative act.  Whether we are acting or dancing, we are not offering extra.  This work is essential.  This work offers many many physical benefits (SO IMPORTANT) while also nudging out potential as human beings (EQUALLY AS IMPORTANT).  My 94 year old grandfather is so stressed with managing daily life – bills, house, appointments, work (!!), etc.  I asked him when he could turn on some music and dance for a few minutes and he laughed it off.  What could be more important than play?  Connecting to your body?  Dropping into rhythms that shake you out of habits and bring you somewhere new?  Being somewhere new?  Asking questions about that place?  Learning more at age 94!  

I love collecting people’s daily rituals and loved learning yours.   Shout out to Nancy Morgan.  I heard your voice in my head and that pushed my fingers onto the keys.