# Movement Classes that Draw from Histories, Impulses & Reflections

- Link: https://allseniors.org/event/movement-classes-that-draw-from-histories-impulses-reflections/
- Published: 2025-09-15T15:37:50-07:00
- Author: Gevorg Adjian

Workshop & Community Class

## Movement Classes that Draw from Histories, Impulses & Reflections

A playful, CA standards-based approach to dance that invites students to **learn**
about
 dance’s rich history, **be** in their bodies with confidence, and **do** 
through creative action. Designed for varied learning and movement abilities; each
class explores a different theme connected to the _big idea_—going into the world
knowing you matter.

Age/Grade: PK–8 (adaptable for all ages & abilities)
 Format: In-person workshop
or residency Standards: CA Arts Standards aligned

[Register Now](https://allseniors.org/event/movement-classes-that-draw-from-histories-impulses-reflections/#tickets)

[Ask a Question](https://allseniors.org/event/movement-classes-that-draw-from-histories-impulses-reflections/#contact)

## Event Details

  Date Starts on September 15th 16101 Ventura Blvd Encino, CA Duration 45–60 minutes
per class (customizable) Capacity Up to 25–30 students per session (flexible) What
to bring Comfortable clothing, closed water bottle, curiosity Accessibility Seated/
standing options; low-impact variations offered

## Example Themes we Explore

 * Exploring music and rhythm
 * Learning dance history across cultures
 * Introduction to dance motifs
 * Making play-based, accessible dances
 * Shifting body weight and visual perspective
 * Utilizing different senses
 * Bringing attention to small details
 * Holding imaginary objects
 * Visual movement practices
 * Reflective writing prompts

## What Happens in Class

The class concept is simple: **learn, be, and do**.

### Learn

Students are introduced to dance’s rich history and the feeling at the heart of 
the art form. we replace
 intimidation and comparison with curiosity and observation,
building a foundation for relating ourselves to rhythm and performance across cultures
and timelines.

> “Dance is for everybody. I believe that the dance came from the people and that
> it should always be delivered
>  back to the people.” — Alvin Ailey

### Be

Being in dance should feel natural. With access-minded, CA standards-based lesson
plans, we create meaningful
 movements as simple as crossing the arms. By connecting
to natural movement around us, we practice presence, bravery, and ambition.

> “When you dance, you are in control of your body.” — Dance To Be Free

### Do

Doing initiates action in young minds, deepens connection, and fosters self-actualization.
Centering the
 collective, we celebrate diverse talents, skills, and gifts. Everyone’s
movements are valuable and have a role in the framework of our lives.

> “Isn’t it odd. we only see our outsides, but nearly everything happens on the 
> inside.” —
>  _The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse_

## The Big Idea

_Go out into the world and practice knowing that you matter._ we develop inner tools
to help students stay
 present within the tidings of our days through movement, 
imagination, and reflection.

## Participants Will

 * Build confidence and agency through accessible techniques
 * Connect dance history to their own lived experiences
 * Collaborate on play-based compositions
 * Explore sensory-aware movement and visual practices
 * Reflect through short writing prompts to integrate learning

## About the Teaching Artist

**Mara Rothbard** is a movement artist and educator with experience teaching in 
public schools,
 where she developed clear, CA standards-aligned lessons that cultivate
children’s imaginative muscle. As a graduate of the LA Music Center’s Teaching Artist
Training, she designs strong, access-minded curricula. A movement artist award took
her to Paris, France to devise and facilitate creative movement workshops alongside
other artists. She holds a BA in Sociology with a minor in Dance and brings eight
years of experience working with children PK–8th. Mara is most fulfilled in roles
that center intuition, creativity, and empathy.

## FAQ

What should students wear?

Comfortable clothing that allows free movement. Sneakers or bare feet are fine depending
on the space.

Is the class accessible?

Yes. Lessons include seated/standing variations, low-impact choices, and collaborative
options. Please share any
 access needs in advance.

Do you provide educator resources?

Yes—teachers receive simple extensions and reflective prompts aligned to CA Arts
Standards.

## Contact

Email: [info@allseniors.org](https://allseniors.org/event/movement-classes-that-draw-from-histories-impulses-reflections/info@allseniors.org)