Not to get all Alex P. Keaton on you, but there's something intensely gratifying when an investment pays off. Last December, the Observer put down some seed money for two artists and a non-profit, with an aim to reward the already-incalculable contribution that they had made to our community and to encourage further growth and creativity.
Well, dancer, performance artist, "dreadlocks maven," and occasional Mixmaster contributor, Katie Toohil is makin' us proud, just like we always knew she would.
When we last spoke to Toohil back in November, she said that a portion of her MasterMinds award would go toward training to increase her capacity as a teacher. Already a choreographer, creative director, and indie-dance extraordinaire, Toohil has most recently become certified as a JourneyDance facilitator, and she is holding her first workshop on February 15.
If you find yourself asking, What the hell is JourneyDance, find out after the jump.
Toohil explains:
JourneyDance(TM) weaves simple, guided movement sequences and free exploration, to reconnect you with your innate state of well-being. Your mind becomes clear, free and positive and your body feels supple, energized and powerful. JourneyDance is practiced in bare feet to inspiring world music, to create a journey of transformation. No dance experience required, just a willingness to move and explore.
She have you at "supple?" Don't delay, because spots for the $15 workshop at SYNC Yoga & Wellbeing are limited. Sign up here to get on your groove, from 8:15 to 9:45 p.m. at 611 N. Bishop St. in The Cliff.
Still feeling shy? Me too. When it comes to movement, I'm more of a softball girl, ya catch my drift. Oh, I can move. I can do so enthusiastically. I'm just not so sure I can do it "on purpose" and without a Jäger Bomb or five. But, I'm suspecting that JourneyDance is not the kind of "ecstatic movement" observed among the obsidian walls of The Slipp Inn. Unless, of course, by "journey" one means "herpes" or "unplanned pregnancy." And, something tells me that my own "how'd I turn my shirt inside out" moment is somewhat less elegant than Gaga's.
So, on Wednesday, February 15, I'm going to feel like a tool. Probably. A little, at first. But, it'll be okay.
If anyone can quell my fears - and redirect my ignorance - I'm quite convinced that Toohil's the woman to prove my anxiety unwarranted. Stay tuned for an "agile," "lithe" and - here's hoping - "physically empowered" recap on February 16.
