This spring we started to expand our services into the greater Lowell. Sutra Studios offered their space, at Mill Number 5 in Lowell, to present our first Guest Artist workshop with Alice Heller. The focus was West African Drumming and Dancing. The workshop included body isolations, dance steps, choreography, ending with a traditional community dance circle – all in a spirited and supportive environment. Drummer, Moussa Troare, taught participants how to drum, they gained the skill of the communal rhythm patterns and songs. The live drumming and singing was a very engaging way to feel a unified spirit of community. Everyone left energized with smiles on their faces.
Our other workshop was Acting for Teens at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell. Tim Leahy, a psychologist and actor, lead this acting and improvisational workshop with the group of teens from the club. They learned how to take cues from each other, to expand it, and have fun with it. Through the exploration of group exercises and theater games, they had the opportunity to grow and exercise their creativity in a safe and respectful environment.
We planned to do more workshops in greater Lowell in the fall, stay tuned.
