Isaac Lee
I am so excited to share my placement experience working with Hetty, Anjana, Kat and Brooke. Dance has become a source of purpose, connection, and well-being, capable of unlocking numerous opportunities across the occupation of dance. Witnessing this project has deepened my understanding of its immense power and the social significance of shared creative experiences. It’s undeniably inspiring.
Brooke’s insights on how dancers react and appreciate each other’s movement, as well as Kat’s emphasis on inclusivity, accessibility, and collaboration, resonate deeply with me. As someone who values interactive group processes, I appreciate how this dance project is so collaborative that it shapes the identity of the community and the roles of their expertise. The contributions of filmmakers, choreographers, and designers create a uniquely collaborative and communicative environment.
From the OT model by Wilcock (1998), it’s inspiring to see how the dancers embody the stages of doing, being, becoming, and belonging through their movement. They are so engaged in using their dynamics of movement to express their stories and feelings. They are passionate about enabling the dance process regardless of their roles to strengthen the outcome of the dance process, their belongings, and the empowerment of the group process.
Observing the collaborative process of dance filmmaking has been an enriching experience. I’m particularly drawn to the nuances of movement and energy, for example, how varying fluidity levels like “water waves/arcs” can create narratives or portrayals of the characters. The moments of suspension and stillness are equally powerful, allowing dancers to share their narratives through dance as an occupation.
Without Hetty, I would not have been able to be involved and empowered working alongside the process, so thank you, Hetty. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and the inspiring experiences.
- Wilcock, A. A. (1998). Reflections on doing, being and becoming. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 65, 248-256.
