Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Update From Claudia Maurice
In the spring, I finished my last course at the departement of dance at the University of Quebec in Montreal. This last course has again been very interesting for the reason that it introduced me to a new and emerging field of science that was yet unknown to me: to "Somatic Education". Somatic Education groups together all those movement approaches which aim the "becoming conscious of the body in spatial mouvement", such as Alexander Technic, Feldenkrais, Yoga, Martial Arts, Body-Mind Centering a.s.o. (in North America, the Journal "Somatics" promotes this kind of approach to movement and it could be interesting for eurythmists to take note of their ideas because of their holistic, phenomenological and sensitive approach to the human organism). The underlying attitude is to consider the human being as an undivided body-mind entity and movement as the direct expression and testimony of "life" (the fact that an organism is living). To move is seen as a way to increase "life" within an organism, which again has a healing effect on it and is at the same time a means for spiritual development. What's especially striking within Somatic Education is the yearning to overcome the dualistic split between the physical and spiritual world and to include emtional and mental apsects when looking at the human organism in movement (for example in the idea that movement has a direct influence on the soul and mental life). The initial impulse of Somatic Education was to give back to the human being the right to appear as a being with spiritual aspects, aspects that ordinary science has more and more excluded or even denied. Yet, I felt that the fact that the access to the spiritual components of the human being is searched by eradicating the difference between physical and spiritual phenomena (body and soul are an inseparable unity) and the use of research methods coming from ordinary science has the exact opposite effect: the human being is once more reducd to its biological components (emotions and mental processes, even the human I, being phenomenas entirely engendered by the biological base of the human organism). At the end of the course, it seemed to me that Somatic Education gives the impression of treating the human being as a spiritual being, but, without that this comes out clearly in the literature, in fact reduces it to its biological aspects. Nonetheless, I think this doesn't devaluate the benefits of the different movement approaches grouped under Somatic Education. It rather shows that it is much harder for many human beings to realize consciously that certain experiences are in fact spiritual experiences, than to actually have spiritual experiences or perceptions. For me, it shows again the urgent necessity for the methods of spiritual science that Rudolf Steiner proposed in order to avoid that humanity stays unconscious of the spiritual world which is concretely present in many of our experiences more than we think. One way to remain unconscious of the spiritual world is to take spiritual phenomenas for phenomenas of the world of the senses, as shown above.
Media Story
Adam McLean is a Staff Writer with the Richmond Hill Liberal. Following our interview, the following article appeared in the paper just before the performance (there are some delightful mis-quotes!):
Dance, poetry, music as one on stage, such is the realm of eurythmy.
Never heard of eurythmy before? Well, if you enjoy spoken words and expressive dance, eurythmy sounds like a candy store for your senses.
And you will be able to stuff yourself this Wednesday at the Toronto Waldorf School, located on Bathurst Street just south of Rutherford Road, as one of the world’s foremost eurythmists, Margrethe Solstad, will perform “The Dream We Carry - Moods of the Soul Through Movement Music and Poetry’.
The performance presented by Thornhill-based group Northern Star Eurythmy includes the work of poets like Maya Angelou and William Blake, interspersed with classical and modern musical selections.
Northern Star manager Mark McAlister explained what to expect from a eurythmy performance, such as ‘The Dream We Carry’. There are two types of eurythmy performances, Mr. McAlister said.
“There is the spoken aspect, where a poem is read aloud and the eurythmist moves interpretively to the text and then the music aspect where a pianist or guitarist will play and then the eurythmist moves to the tones and mood of the music,” he said.
Sometimes the two disciplines will be combined and with soft lighting and eurythmists dressed in shimmering veils, it can make for quite a spectacle of movement and physical art, Mr. McAlister explained.
And eurythmist Margrethe Solstad is seen as one of the best in the performing art, as she is the leader of the world’s centre for anthropo-physical art at the Goetheanum in Switzerland.
This is Ms Solstad’s first North American tour and Mr. McAlister calls her appearance a sign of a growing resurgence of performing arts in the area. “Performing arts doesn’t just happen on its own, it needs to be supported. I think people have been longing for performing arts and hopefully this will bring forward more performances in the future,” Mr. McAlister said.
“People are beginning to realize art plays an important part in their life and I think it is great when world class artists can be seen in our community rather than having to travel downtown,” he added.
You can find more information and purchase tickets for the performance by visiting www.nothern-stareurythmy.blogspot.com and you can also purchase tickets at the Toronto Waldorf School bookstore, 9100 Bathurst St. in Vaughan or at Books on the Hill, 12 Centre St. East, Richmond Hill.
Ticket prices range from $10 for students under 20, to $20 for adults and $50 for VIP tickets, which include a backstage pass and a chance to meet the artists and learn more about the performance.
Dance, poetry, music as one on stage, such is the realm of eurythmy.
Never heard of eurythmy before? Well, if you enjoy spoken words and expressive dance, eurythmy sounds like a candy store for your senses.
And you will be able to stuff yourself this Wednesday at the Toronto Waldorf School, located on Bathurst Street just south of Rutherford Road, as one of the world’s foremost eurythmists, Margrethe Solstad, will perform “The Dream We Carry - Moods of the Soul Through Movement Music and Poetry’.
The performance presented by Thornhill-based group Northern Star Eurythmy includes the work of poets like Maya Angelou and William Blake, interspersed with classical and modern musical selections.
Northern Star manager Mark McAlister explained what to expect from a eurythmy performance, such as ‘The Dream We Carry’. There are two types of eurythmy performances, Mr. McAlister said.
“There is the spoken aspect, where a poem is read aloud and the eurythmist moves interpretively to the text and then the music aspect where a pianist or guitarist will play and then the eurythmist moves to the tones and mood of the music,” he said.
Sometimes the two disciplines will be combined and with soft lighting and eurythmists dressed in shimmering veils, it can make for quite a spectacle of movement and physical art, Mr. McAlister explained.
And eurythmist Margrethe Solstad is seen as one of the best in the performing art, as she is the leader of the world’s centre for anthropo-physical art at the Goetheanum in Switzerland.
This is Ms Solstad’s first North American tour and Mr. McAlister calls her appearance a sign of a growing resurgence of performing arts in the area. “Performing arts doesn’t just happen on its own, it needs to be supported. I think people have been longing for performing arts and hopefully this will bring forward more performances in the future,” Mr. McAlister said.
“People are beginning to realize art plays an important part in their life and I think it is great when world class artists can be seen in our community rather than having to travel downtown,” he added.
You can find more information and purchase tickets for the performance by visiting www.nothern-stareurythmy.blogspot.com and you can also purchase tickets at the Toronto Waldorf School bookstore, 9100 Bathurst St. in Vaughan or at Books on the Hill, 12 Centre St. East, Richmond Hill.
Ticket prices range from $10 for students under 20, to $20 for adults and $50 for VIP tickets, which include a backstage pass and a chance to meet the artists and learn more about the performance.
Solstad News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
European Performing Artists Stop In Thornhill On North American Tour
Thornhill, Ontario, September 24, 2008...Northern Star Eurythmy presents The Dream We Carry – Moods Of The Soul Through Movement, Music and Poetry on Wednesday, October 8 at 7:30pm at the Waldorf Stage, 9100 Bathurst St., Thornhill.
This innovative stage performance features the work of several poets including Olav H. Hauge (Norway), Maya Angelou and William Blake, interspersed with classical and modern musical selections. Margrethe Solstad, eurythmist and leader of Performing Arts at the Goetheanum, Switzerland, and speech artist Trond Solstad, have designed this program for their first North American tour. They have invited celebrated pianist Esther Chu to join them for their Thornhill performance.
Eurythmy is an art of movement that opens new realms of expression for music and poetry, appealing to the full range of human senses. Eurythmy is featured on stages around the world, and makes practical contributions to social art, education and therapy.
This event is another example of the resurgence of the performing arts in York Region. Residents no longer need to make the trip to Toronto – they can experience world-class performances right in their own neighbourhood.
For program and ticket information, please visit www.northernstareurythmy.blogspot.com, or call Mark McAlister at 416-892-3656.
European Performing Artists Stop In Thornhill On North American Tour
Thornhill, Ontario, September 24, 2008...Northern Star Eurythmy presents The Dream We Carry – Moods Of The Soul Through Movement, Music and Poetry on Wednesday, October 8 at 7:30pm at the Waldorf Stage, 9100 Bathurst St., Thornhill.
This innovative stage performance features the work of several poets including Olav H. Hauge (Norway), Maya Angelou and William Blake, interspersed with classical and modern musical selections. Margrethe Solstad, eurythmist and leader of Performing Arts at the Goetheanum, Switzerland, and speech artist Trond Solstad, have designed this program for their first North American tour. They have invited celebrated pianist Esther Chu to join them for their Thornhill performance.
Eurythmy is an art of movement that opens new realms of expression for music and poetry, appealing to the full range of human senses. Eurythmy is featured on stages around the world, and makes practical contributions to social art, education and therapy.
This event is another example of the resurgence of the performing arts in York Region. Residents no longer need to make the trip to Toronto – they can experience world-class performances right in their own neighbourhood.
For program and ticket information, please visit www.northernstareurythmy.blogspot.com, or call Mark McAlister at 416-892-3656.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
CULTURAL HOT-SPOT
Tom and Nancy served me an excellent cup of (organic fair trade) coffee this morning at Books on the Hill (12 Centre St. E., Richmond Hill). We had a wide ranging conversation about the emergence of several promising new artistic ventures in the area, including the Richmond Hill Centre For The Peforming Arts and the Words Alive Literary Festival. We agreed that there are actually large numbers of people around here who are passionate about the performing arts and really excited about what's happening. Be sure to visit this cultural hot-spot and join the conversation....
Friday, September 5, 2008
A Norwegian Poem
At the end of the video clip below, Margrethe performs a Norwegian poem by Anbjörg Pauline Oldervik, with Trond reciting.
You will notice that the movement at the beginning is silent as the eurythmist lays the foundation for the words that are to follow. ..It is also very interesting to see eurythmy with words in an unfamiliar language. We are not so concerned with meaning, and can have a richer appreciation of the poetry elements... Margrethe has provided a rough translation of the text, to set the mood:
something that awakens me
deep at night
no sound
nothing that moves
was it, perhaps, the realm out there
speaking of its beauty
giving me its profound peace
for a long time I wonder
until a knowledge awakens
Also, the realm is wondering
Also, I answer
You will notice that the movement at the beginning is silent as the eurythmist lays the foundation for the words that are to follow. ..It is also very interesting to see eurythmy with words in an unfamiliar language. We are not so concerned with meaning, and can have a richer appreciation of the poetry elements... Margrethe has provided a rough translation of the text, to set the mood:
something that awakens me
deep at night
no sound
nothing that moves
was it, perhaps, the realm out there
speaking of its beauty
giving me its profound peace
for a long time I wonder
until a knowledge awakens
Also, the realm is wondering
Also, I answer
A Virtual Introduction To Eurythmy
Many readers will be unfamiliar with eurythmy, so I have posted some video clips of performances by Margrethe Solstad. (Some Solstad Snippets and Another Solstad Snippet)Eurythmy is all about making things happen in a physical space, but virtual images can be very useful as an introduction.
Another thought...If you observe waves at sea, it appears that the movement is horizontal, but a scientist will tell you that the water particles are actually moving up and down. In eurythmy, the reverse is true. Initially, one notices the physical movements of the eurythmist, and only gradually becomes aware of the movement in the surrounding space.
If you have questions about eurythmy, you can post them as comments, or contact me directly. Enjoy!
Another thought...If you observe waves at sea, it appears that the movement is horizontal, but a scientist will tell you that the water particles are actually moving up and down. In eurythmy, the reverse is true. Initially, one notices the physical movements of the eurythmist, and only gradually becomes aware of the movement in the surrounding space.If you have questions about eurythmy, you can post them as comments, or contact me directly. Enjoy!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
PROGRAMME - THE DREAM WE CARRY
Here is the programme for the Solstads' performance in the Fall of 2008:
Since ancient times, many threads have been weaving between Norway and North America. In this performance, the artists bring many of these threads together, and express what is universally human, beyond race, country, and age.
PROGRAMME:
* Introduction
* Arietta, op.12, nr.1--- E. Grieg
* Din veg ---Olav H. Hauge
* Your way, Ask the wind, The cat,
The scythe, Arrow and bullet, It's the dream--- Olav H. Hauge
* Notturno, op.54, nr.4--- E. Grieg
* Caged bird ---Maya Angelou
* From piano sonata op.110 ---L.v. Beethoven
* Don't give me the whole truth, And I was sorrow,
Show us the field of rye, The rivers meet --- Olav H. Hauge
* Prelude op.31, nr.2 ---A. Skrjabin
* Bosnia Tune- J. Brodsky
* Prelude in e-flat minor, op.34, nr.14 ---D. Schostakovich
* There came a wind, I like to see it lap the miles,
Hope is the thing with feathers, To make a prairie ---E. Dickinson
* Dance, op.1, nr.1 ---D. Schostakovich
* The sledge hammer, The saw, The weathercock,
You were the wind---Olav H. Hauge
* From Papillons, nr. 5 --- R. Schumann
* Hear the voice of the Bard! ---W. Blake
* Phantasy Impromptu in c- sharp minor, op. 66--- F. Chopin
MARGRETHE SOLSTAD is a master eurythmy performer and teacher. After developing and engaging new audiences for eurythmy in Norway and across Europe, she is now eagerly anticipating her first North American tour. Margrethe oversaw the process for chartering the University College of Eurythmy in Norway, and she is currently the Leader of Performing Arts at the Goetheanum in Switzerland.
TROND SOLSTAD is an accomplished speech artist and teacher, breathing new life into the art of the spoken word. In addition to his considerable artistic talent, Trond is a very capable administrator, and is currently Secretary for Performing Arts at the Goetheanum.
ESTHER CHU obtained her Doctoral Degree of Music in piano performance at the University of Alberta, and frequently plays as a soloist or chamber musician. Esther has been contributing to the performing arts program at the Toronto Waldorf School for the past several years.
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