Hi Dancers,
Recently, Marta Martin and Steven Jones were given opportunities to facilitate with other communities at the Faerie and Earth Festival and WNC Successful Aging. We’re privileged to dance in community each week, and both AMC facilitators shared some of what we experience with different populations—elders and children—who may not have had access to this type of dance before.
Adding to the discussion about outreach, Marta and Steven share a little about their experiences below.
Faerie and Earth Festival
with Marta Martin
On May 16 & 17, I had the pleasure of representing AMC at the second annual Faerie and Earth Festival. This was my second year facilitating child-focused, outdoor dance waves in the Faerie circle.
During the two-day event, I spoke to many community members about AMC’s dance events and vision, mission, and aim. At least 50 adults and children participated in two waves offered over two days. For many, it was their first experience with this type of moving practice. On the first day of the festival I met a group of teens that were with their school for “at risk” girls. The girls had a wonderful time and the adult in charge was excited about the possibility of my offering waves at their school on a regular basis. I also gave free dance cards to some participants, and several were used within two weeks!
I was delighted to be the face of AMC and be able to introduce others to our moving practice.
— Marta Martin
The festival is held at the Highland Lake Intentional Community in Flat Rock and proceeds benefit the Center for Honeybee Research.
WNC Successful Aging
with Steven Jones & Gregory Bonin
On May 12th, we represented AMC with two Movement Meditation workshops at WNC Successful Aging. Successful Aging is an all-day event, coordinated by the Buncombe County Council on Aging. The event is designed to celebrate elders in our community and promote their health and wellness awareness. Our description read, “Slow stretching, building to aerobic movements, then into stillness, Get your brain, body and heart moving together for your overall health.”
After each dance, we gave away several free dance cards and invited these community elders to join us for a Sunday dance.
We had a beautiful hour together, very special. It was a wonderful day, and it felt good to tell them how intergenerationally we move at AMC.
— Steven Jones
Steven Jones also works as a Social Worker at and represented The Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community.