MOVEMENT SPEAKS® offers seniors in low-income communities free sequential dance instruction followed by a public performance of their original work. Ranging in length from 10 to 36 weeks, each 75-minute session typically includes warm-up and dance exercises for seated and standing participants; individual and group dance improvisation; memorization of basic movement phrases; and cool-down. Throughout the program, students will create movement in preparation for culminating performances, which take place at the workshop site or in the surrounding community. The program operates in libraries and senior centers citywide.
Fall 2024 In-Person Schedule:
“Before I started I was very heavy, 300 pounds at 5’5. As we participated in the dance, my weight started coming down, my diabetes settled down and I’m doing so much better. I love this program to death. It’s very challenging. You’re challenging yourself; you’re challenging your mind. This dance class has saved my life.” – Participant, Citizens Care Senior Center, Harlem
“Although I had danced “a while ago” I developed a new spirit here in extending creatively legs, arms, head, shoulders, fingers, knees and toes. We were able to engage one another with positive “can do” statements. I truly am passionate what this project does, what it promotes and the joy it engenders!”- Participant, Central Harlem Senior Center, Harlem
“The program attracted me since I have had a double hip replacement and I don’t walk enough. The doctor said I need to move more. I really liked the idea of since it was a different kind of movement besides walking.” –Participant, George Bruce Library, West Harlem
“Before Movement Speaks I was sort of unsure about everything, now I feel my world is my oyster.” –Participant, George Bruce Library, West Harlem
“I love that we are all in this together; it’s a shared experience of dancing amongst all of us.” – Participant, Central Harlem Senior Center
“I like that I come here and do what I CAN. I focus on what I can do and not what I can’t.”- Participant, Central Harlem Senior Center
“It’s for any level of learning or body movement. If I cannot do the movements that day standing, its no big deal I just sit with the others who take part from the chairs.”- Participant, George Bruce Library, West Harlem
“I have always felt that I had a dancing heart, but I couldn’t do anything about it before. Now it’s my time and I will dance.” – Participant, George Bruce Library, West Harlem