Movement Research, in partnership with The Poetry Project, presents Shifting Concepts: from Poem to Body. Yoshiko Chuma, Artistic Director of the award winning company The School of Hard Knocks will guide participants in a 3-day workshop about the transformation of conceptual ideas into physical movement vocabulary. The investigation process of transformation from intellectual concepts to physical movements will be an exercise for both the brain and the body. During the 3 days, the participants will work with Ms. Chuma, in a combination of demonstration and participatory exercises. Chuma will also present action exercises with props. The workshop is open for anyone of all ages. We will use our own gestures, words, images and experiences to create movement.

How can the abstraction of words and movement guide one another toward new means of communicating? How do these practices speak to urgent political and global issues today? Dance is a monologue, flowing resistance activity using dance to deliver a delicate and powerful message. Poets will speak a kind of monologue composed of abstract dance movements. Dance is poem. The 3 day workshop will end with a small private presentation with the participants. There will be surprise guest appearances every day.