A development initiative for South Asian Dance in the North West

Barbara Karmazyn's comments

Thank you for the prayer you left by your bed. It is so beautiful. I hope you are enjoying Toronto. Did you manage to cash your cheque before you left? I saw Yoying last night and she was singing your praises, especially the fact that every one of her staff participated in the workshop...that surprised her as there were a few people there who are resistant to new ideas. She gave me the anecdote about Wally that I have written up for you. in the following "article" that I this evening. Unfortunately I will have no time to edit as I have tons of stuff to do tomorrow in preparation for leaving on Saturday. Use it as you wish. I think it is far too long to be included in your article, so take whatever you feel is relevant.
Blessings and love
Barbara

Over a 24 hour period it was my privelage to join Bishakha in three sessions during her stay in Vancouver. The following is what I observed

CONFEDERATION COMMUNITY CENTRE FOR THE RETIRED
This was a one hour workshop with over over fifty people. There were women and from many different cultures with mixed abilities: some in wheelchairs, some with walkers and one woman on crutches. Given the fact that we were in a very large circle, it was difficult for everyone to hear her introduction, especially those with hearing challenges. However as soon as Bisakha began to move, people began to move as well…the connection was made in a very powerful way.

Bisakha brings a spiritual component to both her dance and her workshop, beginning with a prayer to welcome dance and music to enter our bodies, and inviting us, the participants to join her in that prayer. It is the first thing that she does. With this, we were all together, no distinction between her the “workshop leader/performer/dance artist” and us, the participants. We were all sharing an experience together, with Bisakha gently guiding us. At one point a Punjabi woman asked “are you going to perform classical dance?” and she said “no I will not do a classical dance… that is not what I do” Bisakha does so much more. During the workshop she shared her love of dance, her culture and, how she came to be here on the Winston Churchill fellowship to follow her dream to come to Canada to inspire us with her love of dance. And she did.

During her stories, those who could hear listened intently to what she had to say. No one fidgeted. One woman, was nodding her head up and down, saying yes over and over with excitement as if Bisakha was affirming her own beliefs. Bishakha reached this woman’s spirit.
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There came a point in the workshop where Bisakha taught 3 simple gestures and then invited the group to stand. Some stood right away and moved forward into the space, others were more hesitant. However within minutes all of those people moved their bodies around the space. Bisakha danced amongst them, taking hands, making eye contact, encouraging them to make the dance their own. That is when the magic really happened…strangers dancing together, making eye contact, smiling at each other…expressing their joy. I was surprised and delighted to see that most of the men were dancing and enjoying themselves.

PRESENTATION AND WORKSHOP AT GEORGE DERBY
In the afternoon of the same day, I took Bishakha to a care facility to do give a presentation to a group of recreational practitioners and art therapists followed by a session with some of the residents…many who have dementia.

Presentation with Staff

Before her talk she did a movement activity so that we could learn her name. Within minutes she had captured their attention though the dance. The main thing that stood out for me was how a non dance community of practioners fell under her magic spell and danced with her. I heard a few people say that they should dance more…take a class…etc.

Within the group was one resident, a spry gentleman, much beloved by all the staff who attends everything. During a rhythmical activity where Bisakha was using the words Ta Key Ta, he cheekily said Ca Ca (clearly meaning the bodily function). He was obviously trying to get a rise out of the group, something he is well known to do. When Bishakha and the rest of us laughed and repeated what he said, instead of reacting, he literally transformed...even getting up and dancing with us a few minutes later. At the end of the session, he put his hands to his heart and said some beautiful words of gratitude to Bishakha. Unfortunateley I cannot remember his exact words, but he was reflecting back to her the “heart language” that she had used. Later, during the workshop with the residents, this gentleman was fully engaged, watching her intently and dancing. Once again he thanked her from his heart for what she had given them all that day.

Workshop with Residents

Many of the elders in that group had hearing problems, so in the beginning, during her introduction, they looked confused or disinterested. However once she began to move they followed her. then as often happens with people with dementia they stopped. Bisakha went around the circle making a connections with each person, making eye contact, putting her hands in their hands or wrapping her hands around their hands. There was an especially magical moment with one woman who is deaf, and who often sits with a dour expression on her face. When Bisakha approached her and took her hands, this womans face brightened…eyes opening wider, and a smile began to form. When Bisakha took the risk to bring her to her feet, her smile widened. They held hands, gently swaying from side to side together…dancing a slow dance.

Barbara Karmazyn
Vancouver
Awaken Your Creativity
604-421 6200
www.karmazyn.com
http://movingmoments.tumblr.com/