Lifted Toward Wellness

The Wellspring Holistic Center* in Stroudsburg, PA presented an original performance in Dance entitled, “Lifted” on Saturday April 18th which was choreographed by Heidi Minich* who also performed alongside Stacy Nonnemacher*,Anita Bondi*, and others which also included Stan Stewart Sawyer* who provided the piece with some incredibly moving sounds cape. Others who participated in the presentation were Marlene' Druhan* and Susan Bradford*.

The work was publicized as "the journey from oppression to liberation" and begun its presentation with an enclosure being opened as a litany of statistics were recited depicting the horrors of abuse so prevalent in many homes and relationship around the world. The red bands of cloth the dancers wrapped themselves in seemed to symbolize how some may isolate themselves from the overwhelming nature of these statistics and therefore enabling them to be partially ignored.

Yet, in the midst of the dancers, a red cloth was hung containing yet another dancer who seemed to embody all of the suffering recited and was able to be born to give more awareness of the nature of its pain. Throughout the course of the presentation, this pain was confronted and later embraced until it became possible to (as a chant worded it” to lay their burdens down. In doing so, the suffering soul which was born among them as well as within them was able to become lighter and eventually was able to be lifted up into a serene place which many may refer to Heaven.

The performance was followed by a question and discussion period which inspired many insightful and meaningful dialogue along with providing those who aren’t that familiar with the art of dance a further appreciation of it. Numerous people experienced the event which was enhanced by several drawings along the wall provided by a number of schools. Their images touched upon many aspects of suffering which in their creation helped alleviate some of its effects for the artists. At least, this is what is hoped for.

As mentioned, there were a great number of people present and it would be impossible to name some without neglecting to name others. So, if you were there, please feel free to share your thoughts and reflections of the evening. The Wellspring Holistic Center* has much to offer the creative community with its varied offerings of workshops and performances. includes musical performances and art receptions. Please feel free to Explore The Wellspring Holistic Center* Website for more information.

You’ll find more photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Dance 2009 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.