This I have learned…

Mary Jo Bellner Swartzberg

My earliest recollection of dance was in 1956; it was the year that the public (and I!) was first introduced to Dick Clark and American Bandstand. American Bandstand would be on the air for almost four decades and Dick Clark would introduce to the world, over those decades, a myriad of new and engaging dances to the American public.

Many archaeologists speculate that human dance originated 5,000 to 9,000 years ago in early agriculture societies. Also, many experts agree that dance originated from pre-literate societies.

This latter fact was corroborated by Mr. James Clouser, Visiting Professor of the University of Arizona School of Dance, with whom I spoke on the topic of dance last fall.

Professor Clouser began his dance career with the American Ballet Theatre and for nine years was principal dancer with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. He has choreographed for numerous companies in the United States, Canada and Europe. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from CORPS de Ballet International, a professional organization dedicated to the development, exploration and advancement of ballet in higher education.

I was able to sit in on his ballet class at the university. When I arrived, Professor Clouser ushered me into a well-lit room with tall mirrors on one side and a piano tucked in the corner.

I observed about 50 students (male and female), dressed in various styles of dance attire. After a few minutes Professor Clouser informed the students of the strict class dress code. Students then took their place at several ballet bars in the room. A pianist came in and started playing while the students began stretching and warming their fit and muscled bodies.

Then the students came to attention at their respective ballet bars. Professor Clouser called out movements to the students, who rhythmically complied with the piano music.

With backs straightened the students bent their knees into a plié and then gracefully moved into an arabesque. At times the professor would stop the class to make position corrections or to make a point about a movement. The importance of arms, legs, head and face positions was stressed.

Professor Clouser said that the movie The Red Shoes, by Hans Christian Andersen, had a profound impact on his life. His greatest memory of any performance, however, was when he saw Baryshnikov perform Coppelia in Houston. I inquired as to whether he thought dance is movement, technical prowess or artistry. Professor Clouser indicated that dance is really an amalgamation of the terms.

I asked if he agreed with Martha Graham’s quote: “Dance is the hidden language of the soul.” He did not concur with Ms. Graham’s statement, but explained that dance is more external in its beauty and in its expression – “expression (he said) without technique is quite appalling.”

What an educational experience I had that autumn day!

Not many people know that The University of Arizona’s School of Dance is considered one of the top programs in the United States and England.

This I have learned—.