Writer's Retreats: Movement and Writing

As part of the autobiography project, I got to correspond with playwright Jean-Claude van Itallie, who introduced me (both through his essay and through my learning about his current work) to the idea of combining writing and movement. I've mentioned before the disconnect I used to feel, or imagine, between my thinking brain and my body's impact on thought. As I'm becoming more comfortable in the realm of movement, as taught by Ann Cowlin in her Dancing Thru Pregnancy classes and teacher training, I've given a lot more thought about how body and mind interact together. Linking movement with writing is a natural step in that direction, and I'd love to have the chance to study under van Itallie as he teaches it!

The good news is that van Itallie teaches just such a course, "Writing on Your Feet," at Shantigar, a foundation and retreat that teaches how to combine aspects of meditation, theater, and healing practices, nestled in the Berkshires (north of my old college stomping grounds). The bad news is that his next course is coming up this June (the 24th through the 26th), and alas, it's not in the stars for me to attend this year. But those of you who are interested in theater and writing, who also live on the east coast, should really check out not only the "Writing on Your Feet" class but opportunities in music and acting that are taking place there over the summer.

That way I'll be able to attend vicariously through you!