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 Yes, Anyone Can Dance: A Conversation with Consuelo Faust
By Staci Boden
Joyful. Visionary. Elegant. Fun. Thorough. Earthy.
Welcoming. Feminist. Gracious. Soulful. Whether describing Rhythm &
Motion,
or its Founder, Director, Consuelo Faust, R&M and Consuelo reflect
a seamless
relationship. And while Consuelo is the first to say, "It has in
no way been all me, but all everyone," R&M has shined through
Consuelo's unwavering commitment for 30 years. As Rhythm & Motion
culminates its 30th
anniversary with a free all-day dance bash on December 30th, Consuelo contemplates the past, present and future of R&M.
What inspired you to
create Rhythm & Motion?
There were several things that converged 30 years ago for
me. First, I was teaching modern dance classes to adults and I realized that
they were coming to class to exercise and have fun but not necessarily to learn
intricate modern techniques....At the same time, aerobics was becoming popular.
After taking some of these classes I thought the workout would be a whole lot
more fun if it were taught from a dance point of view and actually used
choreography rather than a calisthenics or cheerleader based vocabulary.
It seemed strange to me that most people weren't getting to experience
something as pleasurable as dance, the feeling of defying gravity to leap
across the floor. I started imagining something that would combine dance moves
with intense physicality and stamina work and would also be driven by really
fun popular music.
Simultaneously, I began thinking about the idea that dancers needed jobs. All the
dancers I knew were scrambling to earn a living to support their dance through
waitressing or office work. There were very few people who were getting paid to
dance back then.
Last, the idea for Rhythm & Motion also came from something in
dance that felt painful to me....When I was in ballet as a six
year-old, at the end of each class the
person who danced the best had a crown placed on her head. It was very
cool when I got the crown but when I didn't get the crown,
it was a big let down. Not getting
the crown hurt.
Like the only way
people could have access to dance is if they were judged to have a certain
skill level? And if they didn't have that skill level they might feel bad and like they couldn't dance?
Yes, exactly. That's why a lot of people stop dancing.
Over the years I've heard so many stories like, 'I loved to dance but I wasn't any good at it' or "I loved to dance but then I
gained weight' or 'I looked
in the mirror and saw these graceful people and then I saw this large goose
that was me.'
In a way, creating Rhythm & Motion was about transforming pain into
invention....I learned to give myself full permission as a dancer. So what I
was trying to do was give everybody full permission to be exactly where they
are--whether it's because they're just learning the movement or because they're
choosing to move in their own way. I didn't want anyone to feel like they were being
judged externally.
So that people can experience the joy of dance from inside.
Yes, exactly. That's what's so wonderful now, 30 years later, to
walk by the studio or to be in a training session and to realize what an
amazing mission it is. Sometimes I look in the studio window and see people
smiling as they dance. And the feeling of flying, it's visible. I can see the engagement
and the joy of dance. Bringing joy into people's lives, hearing stories and
seeing people thrive sustains me. It amazes me to feel like the Rhythm & Motion spirit is
intact...It's really about helping people get in touch with
themselves and helping people have an experience with each other that is
soul stirring.
What are your dreams
for the future of R&M?
Of course, the main thing is to sustain the program as it is-the level
of teaching and choreography that has evolved over the years.
I would also like to develop classes for people as we get older. Obviously, I want it for
myself, and I also want it for friends who would like to be here. There
is a way of getting pleasure from working more deeply, using the
floor, and finding your center but also working with the music, strength and
breath so that you are still going to sweat and have fun. But that
any age can do it.
One of the big dreams I also have is that I'll find a person or
people that I can communicate the big underlying principles to and they will
take R&M into the next generation. So that Rhythm & Motion will go on
no matter what, beyond me.
Is there anything
you'd like to say to the R&M community?
I'm utterly grateful for how loyal students have been and
how loyal and talented teachers have been and are. The contribution the
teachers make, their dedication to the program, is immeasurable. If I
tried to name them all, I'd leave out important people, but I do want
to express appreciation to R&M's current Master Trainer, Dudley,
for all his great work...And behind the scenes with
Samantha and Alex, just total commitment and getting the vision the way
that
the teachers do.
I've had so many helpful conversations about R&M over dinner with my family, Thor
and our daughters, Madeleine and Thea. R&M really is a family-run business.
And over the years students have come forward
to share their gifts, in some cases becoming an integral part of our company as
business advisers, photographers and newsletter editors. Of course, R&M has
had such a fertile collaboration with ODC, an amazing partnership that has been
so innovative and creative. I'm grateful to the whole community for their commitment
to the R&M vision.
It's rare when you get to take a moment to look back and
reflect. On December 30th we're going to have a video camera set up for
five-minute testimonials.
I hope people will come and talk about class or whatever they want to
share. We
want to hear about their experience....R&M has really grown up and
it has in
no way been all me, but all everyone, and that's what's so exciting
about celebrating 30 years, because of what we've built together.
Staci Boden has been enjoying R&M dance since 1985 and is Editor of R&M's e-newsletter. Staci is Founder of Dancing-Tree Consulting,
a resource for individuals, groups and organizations to realize
potential in life and business. With services ranging from individual
coaching and guided visualization to copywriting and business
development, Dancing-Tree Consulting helps clients transform projects,
decisions and relationships.
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