UMASS/Amherst DEL Movement Sentence Choir Event

Ann Biddle and UMass Amherst Students

UMASS/Amherst DEL Movement Sentence Choir Event

I was so honored to help facilitate the UMASS/Amherst DEL Movement Sentence Choir alongside our incredible student leaders Audrey Garfinkel, Emma Marchi, and Maxine Kamen van Westen. This event was part of the Dance Education Laboratory’s 30th Anniversary global celebration, bringing together more than 30 Movement Sentence Choirs from around the world in shared artistry and connection.

Our group created a piece titled Mindful Motion, inspired by the Movement Sentence: Spiral + Expand + Release + Press. Drawing from Rudolf Laban’s tradition of movement choirs and the DEL approach to developing “Movement Sentences”—intentional strings of action words that spark choreographic invention—we collaboratively crafted a dance that embodied presence, curiosity, and collective expression.

The process unfolded in under two hours, guided by shared inquiry, improvisation, and deep listening to one another. It was inspiring to witness how quickly movement ideas blossomed into a unified, expressive performance.

I am deeply grateful for the leadership, creativity, and generosity of our students, and to everyone who joined us in witnessing and celebrating the transformative, community-building power of dance.

DETAILS
When — October 15th, 2025
Where — University of Massachusetts Amherst
Service — Facilitation