About
I am a researcher, dancer, writer, and educator working in the developing field of Somatic Depth Psychology. A passion for education and an artistic connection to body has lead to pursuits in somatic education, both through becoming a Guild Certified Feldenkrais PractitionerCM, as well as receiving a PhD in Somatic Depth Psychology. I utilize dreams and other images, movement, and various forms of creative expressions in my approach.
My doctoral research focused on the exploration of identity transition for dancers who had left performance. I am currently working to expand upon my dissertation research through developing lectures, classes, and courses to share what I have learned with other performing artists (whether actively performing or not). If you would like to know more about what is being developed, or perhaps collaborate on a project, please contact me!
Research Projects
Body Stories
2018
Lead by Dr. Rae Johnson
Body Stories is a multi-faceted research project that explores the effects of oppression on how we live in our bodies and how we navigate power differences with others. Written, directed, and performed largely by graduate students, Body Stories is a type of performed ethnography in which the script is based on research interviews.
Performances have been held as part of Naropa University’s Somatic Arts Concert, as the keynote address for the American Dance Therapy Association’s (Rocky Mountain Chapter) annual conference, and as part of an Experience Pacifica event at Pacifica Graduate Institute.
Reintegrating the Dancer
2021
Dr. Kesha Fikes, Chair person
This study considered the dancer’s lived experience of career transition out of performance. Any passage out of the performing arts necessitates a shift in world-view resulting in unique identity challenges. This transitional moment (and the necessary support tools) is both understudied and painfully lived by many dancers. Data was collected through a series of interviews using the qualitative methods of portraiture and body stories. The interviews explored the stories that were created during the transition phase, in addition to the impact of transition on body and soul.