In this episode of Dance Unscripted, host Amy Elizabeth engages in a heartfelt conversation with Kathy Dunn Hamrick, a prominent figure in the dance community. They explore Kathy's journey from her early days in dance to her role as a leader and mentor in the Austin dance scene. The discussion highlights the importance of resilience, community investment, and the business side of dance. Kathy shares her insights on audience experience, leadership, and the creative problem-solving skills necessary for success in the arts. As she transitions from her role as artistic director, Kathy reflects on her future in dance and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.

Season One of Dance Unscripted is brought to you by a grant from the Lamar University Center for Resiliency.

Kathy's Links:

Social Media - @kathydunnhamrick

Kathy's Book - https://www.kdhdance.com/alifeindance

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In this episode of Dance Unscripted, host Amy Elizabeth speaks with choreographer Jennifer Monson about her innovative work that intertwines dance with environmental awareness. Jennifer shares her journey from a young dancer to a leader in exploring the relationship between movement and nature. The conversation delves into her Birdbrain project, which follows animal migrations to inform choreography, and her establishment of iLAND, a collaborative space for artists and scientists. They discuss the concept of scores in dance as invitations for exploration and the impact of her current project, Move Thing, which addresses community issues related to toxicity. Throughout the discussion, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of awareness, resilience, and the interconnectedness of dance and the environment.

Jennifer's Links:

Social Media - @jeniwavelength @ilandart

Website - www.ilandart.org

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In this episode of Dance Unscripted, host Amy Elizabeth engages with dance artist and scholar Meg Brooker, exploring the rich history and evolution of modern dance, particularly focusing on the contributions of Isadora Duncan and Florence Fleming Noyes. The conversation delves into the significance of preserving dance history, the role of gender in dance representation, and the integration of somatic practices in dance training. Meg shares insights on how somatic methods can cultivate resilience and enhance creative expression, emphasizing the importance of allowing dancers to connect with their bodies and the larger community through movement.

Season One of Dance Unscripted is brought to you by a grant from the Lamar University Center for Resiliency.

Meg's Links:

Social Media - @duncandancesouth, @usmdance

Website - www.duncandancesouth.org

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In this episode, Amy Elizabeth speaks with Jane Weiner, founder of Hope Stone, about the transformative power of arts education and emotional intelligence in empowering youth. They discuss the importance of instilling creativity and resilience in children, the challenges faced by communities, and the impact of project-based learning. Jane shares her insights on how arts education can combat mental health issues and foster a sense of belonging and self-worth among students. The conversation emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to education that integrates emotional intelligence and the arts to nurture well-rounded individuals.

Season One of Dance Unscripted is brought to you by a grant from the Lamar University Center for Resiliency.

Jane's Links:

Instagram- @hopestoneinc

Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/hope.stone

Website- www.hopestoneinc.org

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In this episode of Dance Unscripted, host Amy Elizabeth engages with Billy Hawkins III, a pioneering figure in dance education, discussing the transformative power of dance as a means of building resilience and knowledge. They explore the concept of the body as a vessel of experience, the innovative Safety Release technique, and the importance of curiosity and somatic awareness in dance training. Hawkins emphasizes the need to embrace mistakes and the ongoing journey of growth in dance, challenging traditional hierarchies and promoting agency among students. The conversation highlights the vital role of resilience in navigating the challenges of a dance career and the importance of fostering a supportive and curious learning environment.

Season One of Dance Unscripted is brought to you by a grant from the Lamar University Center for Resiliency.

Billy's Links:

Social Media-

@iambillyjhawkains

@the.iii.collective

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In this episode of Dance Unscripted, host Amy Elizabeth engages with Lydia Hance and Ashley Horn from Frame Dance to explore the innovative Kinetic Classrooms initiative. The conversation delves into the evolution of Frame Dance, the integration of movement into educational settings, and the importance of empowering educators to enhance student engagement and resilience. The discussion highlights the research behind Kinetic Classrooms, the connection between physical and mental development, and the role of joy in learning. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the transformative potential of dance education in fostering emotional regulation and social skills among young learners.

Season One of Dance Unscripted is brought to you by a grant from the Lamar University Center for Resiliency.

Lydia and Ashley's Links:

Instagram-

@framedance

@ashleyhorndance_and_design

Facebook-

facebook.com/framedanceproductions

Website-

https://www.framedance.org/

LinkedIn-

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydia-hance/

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In this episode, Amy Elizabeth and Vannia Ibarguen explore the transformative power of dance in community recovery, advocacy, and creative leadership. They discuss how dance can serve as a civic tool for social change, the intersection of dance and systems engineering, and the importance of audience engagement through participatory experiences. Vannia shares insights on Global Water Dances, a project that raises awareness about water issues through site-specific dance performances, and emphasizes the role of feedback in refining artistic messages. The conversation showcases the potential of dance to address climate change, foster resilience, and create meaningful connections within communities.

Season One of Dance Unscripted is brought to you by a grant from the Lamar University Center for Resiliency.

Vannia's Links:

Social Media-

@gwdances

@vanniai

Website-

http://www.globalwaterdances.org

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In this episode of Dance Unscripted, host Amy Elizabeth engages with Rebekah Chappell, a teaching artist and performer, to explore the themes of resiliency and burnout in the dance community. They discuss Rebekah's journey from classical ballet to improvisation, the definition and components of burnout, and the importance of creating sustainable systems to interrupt patterns of burnout. The conversation emphasizes the relational aspects of burnout and the significance of community support in fostering resilience among dance educators and students.

Upon editing, some technical difficulties were found to have caused discrepancies in filming. The Dance Unscripted team does apologize for these difficulties and hopes you enjoy the episode as is.

Rebekah's links:

Website:

rebekahchappell.com

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