Community & Student Engagement Through the Arts

Making connections in performance, teaching and organizing

Regardless of where or with whom, Kara enjoys connecting with others through teaching and community organizing. Believing that all people have an ability to grow and contribute, her teaching has been described as “engaging”, “patient” and “encouraging.” Her inquisitive and inclusive approach to this work is heavily influenced by progressive pedagogy and socially engaged dance practices.

Kara can be contacted about teaching:

• Classes for seniors

• Intergenerational dance classes for families and communities

• Classes for people of varying physical and cognitive abilities

• Choreography for special events i.e. weddings, birthdays, community celebrations

Above: Students of the Boston Ballet’s Adaptive Dance (left) and the participatory element of “The Reclaim Game”, a site-specific piece made with Tara Weaver and commissioned by the Franklin Park Art Grove (right)

"Movin’ and Groovin’" is a fun mix of dance inspired by various styles including jazz, African-diasporic, social dances and more that is designed for people wanting a modified but full-bodied dance experience.  When possible, a live musician accompanies class to emphasize musicality and rhythm that informs our movements, our energy and our interactions with one another. Classes begin with a seated meditative warm up of breathing and stretching exercises. Heart rates and range of motion are gradually increased to the comfort level of each individual, and optional modifications are offered throughout class. All participants are encouraged to dance at their own pace, bring other family members or friends for an engaging social experience together and enjoy! No previous dance experience is necessary.

Above: Movin’ & Groovin' class as part of the Cambridge Citywide Senior Center and The Dance Complex’s Art of Dance Class Series that also includes classes taught by Fatou Carol Sylla, Yosi Karahashi and Nurudafina Abena. Photo by Haley Lerner

Below: Participants pose at the end of The Dance Complex’s Age-Friendly Dance Class