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4 PHOTOS below by permission of
Great Meadows Morris & Sword



About Chalice & Sword

In collaboration with CO.MUNITY TEEM (Teamwork Empowerment Education Mentorship) program, we are co-creating an inter-generational Morris Sword Dance team (ages 12 - adult) focusing on Longsword, Rapper and Stick dances. We work with the traditional dances that have been recorded by various Morris dancers and teachers as well as developing adaptations and new dances. In this venue it is our intention to have fun, learn and integrate young people into a culture that will lead to inclusion in a wider community of enriching arts experiences. Here are some links to video of Morris Dance.

 
     
The Invitation

Teach and Build Skills

1. Learn basic dance figures, body stance, movement, form etc., and create an inclusive affirming environment to support empowerment and confidence...

2.
Learn the music and songs that accompany and enliven this dance form to tell stories and to find our collective and expressive voice and rhythm.

3. Mummers Play tradition and Archetypes: Recognition, awareness and metaphoric personal and group application.

4.
Learn to use cooperative leadership to make decisions.

 
     


The Interaction

Team Building
1. Develop trust, affirming relationships, community.

2. Create new choreography, music, song and plays as a team using compassionate communication and "power sharing" decision making.


Empowerment of Self and Group
1. Try on new roles and archetypes: i.e. sharing leadership and collaborating... taking safe personal risks to explore aspects of self in group context.

2. Use team configuration and dynamic to create a venue where every individual's strengths, personality, expression... is valued and to give opportunities to support other team members.


Have Fun!
Though this could go without saying, it is important to remember so that we don't lose track of the whole point of this, which is to enrich life.
 
     


May Queen, Lustleigh, England,
Photo: Melinda Schwakhofer
The Initiation
Challenging self in service of higher goals

May Day Mummers' Plays & Song


Morris Longsword dance traditionally includes a play or drama experience. And, as part of the Morris folk tradition, song and rhyming give color and humor to the community experience.

As part of the overall team goals and outcomes, each individual member can have an opportunity to explore and express personal and universal coming-of-age themes. We will use this venue to work with mythic archetypes in short plays to symbolize rites of passage for youth (regardless of the age of the participant).


 
 


Maypole in Vermont
The Integration

Community Connections

By creating this inter-generational community to come together in a dance forum that already has a stronghold in our local community, youth can find affirming, inclusive opportunities to interact with healthy adult mentors and role models. Also, in this learning environment, youth and adults can practice fulfilling and compassionate ways to communicate and work together with others.

Though it is an important part of our learning to develop an awareness and practice of new ways to make decisions by choreographing "new" dances, it is a core goal to be included in the traditions of the arts communities. Morris Dance, folk music, youth theatre, contra dance... are all places where youth can make connections and be part of inter-generational community to participate in positive and empowering ongoing activities, gatherings and celebrations.
 
     

Longsword & Stick, Sept. -- May, 2009 - 2010
Co-Ed -- ages 12 - Adult -- First & Third Tuesdays, 6 - 8pm

We will learn: Longsword dances, Stick dances, Music, Song, Mummers Plays

We will have optional once a month Saturday programs to focus on particular subjects in Longsword, Stick, Music, Song, Mummer or Mythic costuming as well as to learn and practice Compassionate Communication (NVC).


This program begins by donation only
(We are presently seeking funding under the CO.MUNITY Project.)

Location TBA



Sword Team & Play 2009
August 17 - 21

Co-Ed ages 9 & up --
see M3PLAY Camps
Longsword, Music &Mummers Play with Andy Davis. Fencing with Ian Bigelow. Adventure Team games & initiatives with Jeanne Marie Sutherland. Swimming and personal projects.
Monday - Friday, 9am - 3pm

Camp cost: $200 for one week - includes all materials.

20% discount (if paid by July 15th)
15% (if paid by July 30th)
Sibling discount: take additional 5% off.



 
 
Jeanne-Marie Sutherland teaches mythic / sacred /sword /Goddess dance, mythic costuming, empowerment arts, bardic arts (storytelling, story craft, theatre arts, basic rhythms) and compassionate communication and power sharing council. Jeanne-Marie uses the fundamentals of different cultural dance using the symbolism and movement in expression. Her training as a creative arts therapist and her participation in a consensus community for several years, has given her a unique background to teach communication and decision-making skills in collaboration with others. She is often engaged in "mythic consciousness" which guides her in creating an environment filled with larger than life archetypes and metaphors. more

PLEASE CONTACT Jeanne-Marie TO REGISTER

Email Jeanne-Marie to register and for payment info:

info@m3play.org






 

 


 

 

 

 

 

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