ACTION/REACTION

Action/Reaction is a four-part program designed to connect with participants with little or no experience of contemporary dance, but who are interested in or involved with creative practices in other art disciplines. The program strives to connect movement/dance to other artistic design and practice concepts, encourage new understanding and creative perspectives across disciplines – ultimately allowing participants to articulate their own “reaction” or creative expression in response to a GroundWorks DanceTheater performance.

Through an interactive introduction of dance tools and terminology, observation of rehearsals and performance, and finally the completion of a creative response of their own, GroundWorks works with participants to create an exchange of ideas through collaborative learning. GroundWorks first explored this project as a part of the company’s ongoing residence with Cleveland State University in 2012. Since then, the company has partnered with John Carroll University, The University of Akron, Cleveland Institute of Art, and Judson Manor (Senior Living Facility), among others.

The program is implemented in 4 steps:

  1. GroundWorks meets with participants to create an interactive movement experience introducing dance and movement tools, as well as the creative process employed by the company.
  2. Participants visit a company rehearsal to observe our creative process and learn about the works the company is preparing to perform.
  3. Participants attend a GW performance.
  4. Participants create a reaction to the performance based on their personal experience and response to the works.

Goals for the program include:

  • To provide participants with a deeper artistic understanding and appreciation for dance and the choreographic process.
  • To provide the opportunity for a two-way exchange around creativity and themes explored in the works.
  • To connect the creative process of dance-making to a creative subject with which participants may be more familiar, thereby creating a more meaningful connection to contemporary dance.
  • To provide an opportunity for the wider community’s understanding and appreciation for dance through the showcasing of creative reactions (either on our Website or throughout participant’s networks).
  • To build and deepen GW connections with area colleges, universities, and cultural organizations and offer a collaborative resource for professors/instructors looking to enhance their curriculum.

To learn more or inquire about bringing an Action/Reaction experience to your organization, please email our Education Director Joan Meggitt at joan@groundworksdance.org

Action/Reaction works to create meaningful interplay across the boundaries of various artforms. Whether with novices or masters, this program uses the work of GroundWorks to inspire art and responses from others in our community.

GroundWorks has worked with Judson Park for the past three years. Our most recent program with them included Judson residents with moderate to significant memory loss and invited them to react to the experience “in the moment.” Unique this year was the integration of family members in the creative process, as a way to increase the possibility of connecting with their loved ones in different ways.

“The program is wonderful for our residents, especially for those who have difficulty expressing themselves in words, so to do so in dance and music really expands their horizons and gives them a rich life,” says Cathy Bryan, Coordinator of Creative Arts Therapy at Judson Park. “GroundWorks’ Action/Reaction program adapts so beautifully to what we’re all about.