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Home Practice

Past courses.

“From tiny experiences we build cathedrals.”
-Orhan Pamuk

Originated by dancer/choreographer, Mary Overlie, The Six Viewpoints deconstruct the materials used in performance: space, time, shape, emotion, story, and movement, opening up their infinite possibilities. The study of the Viewpoints introduces performance makers to a clear vocabulary of materials to spark research or new perspectives on their own work.

Entering into the Laboratory of the Matrix through the materials of shape and time, one may stumble into pockets of space, threads of movement, scents of emotion, branches of story. Let’s hang out in these accidents and ask: How might the study of shape and time reveal subtle and surprising stories? Logics we have not met before? 

In this weekend-long workshop, we follow the path of deconstruction to depart from closed systems of composition to open ourselves to both aesthetic and meaningful experiences we could not have constructed.  

We welcome all dancers, actors, physical theater artists and directors. We welcome makers of all kinds who are interested in what they might glean from the body, our surrounding environment, subconscious, patience, and boredom.

***A note on the sliding scale: As a general rule, the lower end of the scale is for the unemployed and freelance artists whose livelihoods have been disrupted due to the pandemic and BIPOC artists whose livelihoods have been historically and systematically threatened. The higher end of the scale is for those who haven't lost employment and aren't worried about making ends meet. By paying at the higher end of the sliding scale, you make it possible for us to support our community in this way! You can pay any amount between those two sums that feels right and comfortable to you.

In this week-long workshop, we will investigate the creative process from the basis of a liberated and awakened bodymind. The days will begin with Hamilton Floor Barre*, a guided physical practice to nourish and awaken the moving body, and extend into explorations of the perceptual frames of the Six Viewpoints**. There we will ask – what am I taking for granted about the times, shapes, movements, emotions, story/logics, and spaces? Through these focused awarenesses, we will grapple towards the unknown, and access uncertainty as a portal to an infinite and not-yet defined source. 

Naming these sources “raw materials” will become a way to sustain ourselves and find research within the Piano and Reification Laboratories of the Six Viewpoints Theory. These laboratories will guide us in and out of the unknown, help us retrieve findings, and share them with an audience. 

Participants will be guided to identify their own artistic questions throughout the week to support their creative process.  Sophia and Deborah will offer strategies, coaching, and feedback methods to amplify individual and collaborative inquiries. Wild, subtle, and anarchistic improvisations and compositions will ensue, activating the unlimited possibilities of what art can be and where it comes from. The week will culminate with a public sharing for the surrounding community. 

*In the Six Viewpoints curriculum, Hamilton Floor Barre Technique is considered one of the basic practices of noticing News of a Difference. It works on the level of the nervous system, creating connections and organization between muscles, bones, fascia and conscious awareness. Slowly waking up more subtle neural connections with the smaller muscles surrounding the joints of the body can initiate re-patterning and a stabilization of our incredible architecture.

Over the years, students have regularly reported a decrease in chronic pain and a greater sense of vitality.

**Originated by dancer/choreographer, Mary Overlie, The Six Viewpoints deconstruct the materials used in performance: space, time, shape, emotion, story, and movement, opening up their infinite possibilities. The study of the Viewpoints introduces performance makers to a clear vocabulary of materials to spark research or new perspectives on their own work.

***A note on the sliding scale: As a general rule, the lower end of the scale is for the unemployed and freelance artists whose livelihoods have been disrupted due to the pandemic and BIPOC artists whose livelihoods have been historically and systematically threatened. The higher end of the scale is for those who haven't lost employment and aren't worried about making ends meet. By paying at the higher end of the sliding scale, you make it possible for us to support our community in this way! You can pay any amount between those two sums that feels right and comfortable to you.

Please note: After applying, you will be asked to pay a $100 deposit to hold your spot. This deposit will not be refundable after September 1st, 2023. Workshop balance due on October 9th, 2023.

Taught and practiced by Mary Overlie and gifted to many including Sophia and Deborah, Jean Hamilton (dancer with the Ballet Russes) created this training to strengthen and lengthen the body. 

In the Six Viewpoints curriculum it is considered one of the basic practices of noticing The News of a Difference. It works on the level of the nervous system, creating connections and organization between muscles, bones, and awareness. 

This series is limited to eight participants. No previous experience or dance training required to enroll.

It’s for you if you want to be stronger and more aware of your body! Great for actors, dancers, regular folks! 

In this workshop, we will investigate the creative process from the basis of a liberated and awakened bodymind. Our efforts will be thrown into accessing the unknown, and accessing uncertainty as a portal to an infinite source. Learning to sustain oneself and one’s research beyond the named world germinates work that may, at times, send a ripple through a collective consciousness. 

The days will begin with Hamilton Floor Barre*, a guided physical practice to nourish and awaken the moving body, and extend into explorations of the perceptual frames of the Six Viewpoints**. Wild, subtle, and anarchistic improvisations and compositions will ensue.

Open Arts Studio
68 Jay Street 605A
Saturday and Sunday 11am - 5pm
$245 - $465 sliding scale***

Become human. Think for yourself. Make choices. Bring the community back together again. 

—
*In the Six Viewpoints curriculum, Hamilton Floor Barre Technique is considered one of the basic practices of noticing News of a Difference. It works on the level of the nervous system, creating connections and organization between muscles, bones, fascia and conscious awareness. Slowly waking up more subtle neural connections with the smaller muscles surrounding the joints of the body can initiate re-patterning and a stabilization of our incredible architecture. Over the years, students have regularly reported a decrease in chronic pain and a greater sense of vitality.

**Originated by dancer/choreographer, Mary Overlie, The Six Viewpoints deconstruct the materials used in performance: space, time, shape, emotion, story, and movement, opening up their infinite possibilities. The study of the Viewpoints introduces performance makers to a clear vocabulary of materials to spark research or new perspectives on their own work.

Deborah’s conversations are beautifully-held dialogues that foster engaged self-exploration. Somewhere between coaching and therapy, her deep listening skills and her insightful and supportive questions come from a place of great personal and creative integrity. My conversations with Deborah have supported major, life-changing career decisions and I can't recommend her highly enough. — Scott Thurston, poet and mover

These conversations with Deborah have been extremely useful in helping me productively reflect on my practice and how that could exist in this world. Her insight and deep listening really guide you through the multiple layers of a question until you arrive at places that are often unexpected but always exciting. — Ria Samartzi, theatre director

This discussion group has been a welcoming environment to share questions rooted inside my psyche regarding my artistic work and its place within the world. With excellent feedback and support within the group, I’ve been able to dig deeper and find a clearer articulation around my work. — Maryanne Chaney, dance artist

FAQ’s about the Perception LAB

What are the Six Viewpoints?
Originated by dancer/choreographer, Mary Overlie, The Six Viewpoints deconstruct the materials used in performance: space, time, shape, emotion, story, and movement, opening up their infinite possibilities. The study of the Viewpoints introduces performance makers to a clear vocabulary of materials to spark research or new perspective on their own work. 

What is the Jean Hamilton Floor Barre?
Jean Hamilton (dancer with the Ballet Russes) created this training to strengthen and lengthen the body. In the Six Viewpoints curriculum Mary Overlie considered it one of the basic practices of noticing The News of a Difference. It works on the level of the nervous system, creating connections and organization between muscles, bones, and awareness. 

Who is this for?
It is for performers of all kinds, especially those who are interested in bringing their bodies more  fully into the work and those who are interested in working from their subconscious.

Any other questions? Please reach out!

Deborah’s conversations are beautifully-held dialogues that foster engaged self-exploration. Somewhere between coaching and therapy, her deep listening skills and her insightful and supportive questions come from a place of great personal and creative integrity. My conversations with Deborah have supported major, life-changing career decisions and I can't recommend her highly enough. — Scott Thurston, poet and mover

These conversations with Deborah have been extremely useful in helping me productively reflect on my practice and how that could exist in this world. Her insight and deep listening really guide you through the multiple layers of a question until you arrive at places that are often unexpected but always exciting. — Ria Samartzi, theatre director

This discussion group has been a welcoming environment to share questions rooted inside my psyche regarding my artistic work and its place within the world. With excellent feedback and support within the group, I’ve been able to dig deeper and find a clearer articulation around my work. — Maryanne Chaney, dance artist

VIEWPOINTS PEDAGOGY & PRACTICE
with Wendell Beavers

January 3-4-5 ; 10-1 EST
+2 additional sessions dates TBD
$100
Register HERE.

Further Information and to enquire about pay-what-you-wish contact — somaticperformer@gmail.com 

This is the zoom component of a "hybrid" event with a small group of long time Viewpoints teacher/practitioners invited by Wendell to demonstrate selected aspects of Viewpoints training that have developed over 40 years and to identify and discuss the aesthetic, educational and socio-political context, that teacher/practitioners are currently engaged with. The event is designed to include remote participation via zoom--"online audit"-- by a global community who are contributing to the vision articulated originally by Mary Overlie. 

January 3 10:00-1:00 EST We will review the provenance and style of improvisation that has been at the core of the pedagogy. Our day will be divided amongst offering a number of ways of introducing this kind of improvisational practice, delineating specific exercises that have been present since the origins of the work, and summarizing the tactics and strategies that have evolved over the years by many teachers based on their initial contact with Mary Overlie and/or Wendell Beavers. Class time will be divided between in-space physical practice and lecture/discussion of theory as it relates to both aesthetics and teaching. In person participants will be invited in each session to offer their perspectives as Viewpoints teachers or practitioners. 

January 4 10:00-1:00 EST In depth look at 4 of the 6 categories/portals originally introduced by Mary Overlie and the role of perception as the motivation for action: Space, Time, Shape/Line, Kinesthetic Sensation (movement)

January 5 10:00-1:00 EST In depth look at 2 of the 6 categories/portals originally introduced by Mary Overlie: Story/Image and Emotion. Story and Emotion are treated very specifically in the Viewpoints work. We will identity the unique way these words are used, what the expectation has been pedagogically in these areas, and also how the particular use of these categories in the 6 Viewpoints is differentiated from other approaches or techniques. 

Two Follow-up Zoom Sessions, dates TBD Facilitated discussion with participants based on our workshop experience. Participants will plan this together with Wendell. Topics we may pursue: Building a Viewpoints curriculum for various contexts. Next steps in supporting the clarity and growth of a Viewpoints pedagogy. Aesthetic ramifications of applying a Viewpoints approach to acting/dancing, directing/ choreographing, and individual approaches to performing/art making.

This lab is intended to expand what is possible for performing arts educators with a current practice of on-line teaching. It will be especially useful for teachers who want to foster a closer connection between their students and the subject matter, and among the group as a whole.

Ideal participants would be those who haven’t already decided what works and what doesn’t. They are willing not to know, enter into experimentation, and offer their willingness and feedback for others’ experiments.

Deborah has been teaching synchronous classes in the Six Viewpoints since January 2018. She came into this out of curiosity before it was necessary because of Covid. The lab will include a few lessons in the Six Viewpoints as a way to share some teaching techniques and the phenomenological nature of the Six Viewpoints which she has found supports the on-line learning environment.

The lab is limited to eight participants. 
Applications are due by February 2nd. You will be notified about your acceptance on February 4th. 
Tuition - $180 - $315 sliding scale

Apply by February 2nd.

the forces of nature: A Six Viewpoints Online Experiment

an on-line immersive workshop in collaboration with Sophia Treanor

June 12, 2020 - June 14, 2020
in co-production with Earthdance Creative Living Project

the forces of nature: A Six Viewpoints Performance Online Intensive

We are sheltered in our homes (safely or unsafely) in response to a force of nature. This has created our current condition of ‘ensemble impossible’ and ‘system overwhelm’. We are learning to adapt to this in all of its challenges and wisdoms. 

Recognized largely as an ensemble-building tool, we are turning to the contemplative, solo-practice base of the underpinning philosophy of the Viewpoints. 

First articulated by Mary Overlie, a dancer-phenomenologist-observer, the Six Viewpoints offer lenses of perception that open the practitioner's awareness to the three-dimensional reality of what is. 

....."It's the business of is-ness".....
-m. o. mantra of 2018, first spoken by student and clown David Melendy at ImpulsTanz in Vienna

In this three day, online retreat, we will work with the Viewpoints to interrupt projections of imaginary, future-as-progress-oriented narratives. We will pry open this present circumstance and ask -- "What is Really Here? Can our habitat change or change us? What are the Shapes Here? What is the Shape of This? What can I perceive anew about the Nature of Time?"

This insistence on the present makes room for an open future. Through the practice of the Six Viewpoints we shift from an identity and position of creator-originator-doer-changer-owner-dominator to a receptive and actively listening participant in the language, materials, and forces of nature. 

—

Originated by dancer/choreographer, Mary Overlie, The Six Viewpoints deconstruct the materials used in performance: space, time, shape, emotion, story, and movement, opening up their infinite possibilities. The study of the Viewpoints introduces performance makers to a clear vocabulary of materials to spark research or new perspective on their own work. 
 
This intensive weekend will include a brief introduction to the theoretical framework of the Viewpoints as well as a closer look at the materials through improvisation and experimentation. We welcome dancers, actors, singers, directors, choreographers, dramaturges, and designers of all disciplines to participate. No prior experience necessary.

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED FOR THIS COURSE

Please join the mailing list for updates on future courses.

Originated by dancer/choreographer, Mary Overlie, the Six Viewpoints deconstruct the materials used in performance: space, time, shape, emotion, story, and movement, opening up their infinite possibilities. The study of the Viewpoints introduces performance makers to a clear vocabulary of materials to spark research or new perspective on their own work.

A little more about the course —

It happens LIVE once/week. Sessions are also recorded in case of absence or for playback. Supplemental materials are included in a (non-facebook) community forum.

January 21-March 17
Tuesdays
12pm - 2pm EST
(10am - 12pm MT, 5pm - 7pm GMT, 18h - 20h CET)

Course is limited to 10 students.

$315
or three payments of $115
Partial scholarships available.

Deborah’s Journey to the Six Viewpoints

I love art.

I fall in love with it over and over and over again.

Painted, Danced, Written, Spoken, Drawn, Sung, Sculpted

All of it.

Each moment in history has produced art, a reflection of the times. Artists absorb the present and produce work that can shape and influence society tomorrow. We live on the precipice of future. 

I spent three years studying the history of art. I’ve spent about 30 years in dance and theatre studios. I spent 5 years working in a museum. I spent twelve years making costumes and sitting backstage during musicals and plays. I’ve taught circus performers, dancers, actors, singers, and writers for over a decade.

The first time I saw contemporary dance I wanted to jump up on stage and join them. The second time I saw it, I wanted to understand why they had made the choices they made.

Performance is complex. Not only do we make it together and come up against one another in a space in order to do it, it is also an extremely layered process with multiple lineages. We are asked to make performance quick and often to stay in the game.

This leads to imitation. The work loses its power.

I’ve found the Six Viewpoints give me a pathway into the unknown. By studying and practicing each of the materials of live performance, I can make them known. My assumptions melt. A curtain lifts to reveal greater and greater possibility, sparking my creativity.

Curious?

What students are saying —

“Deborah is a very skilled and talented tutor and this was the ideal introduction to Overlie's fascinating body of work. The course is carefully paced and inventively structured and offered many rich learning experiences, combined with my solo practice. This experience has really enriched my creative work and holds much potential for the future.”

—Scott Thurston, poet and mover

"This workshop series was another positive experience for me and confirmed my support for the ongoing work by Deborah Black. I am very grateful for her expansive consideration of somatic understanding with the Six Viewpoints, which in turn were originated by Mary Overlie. In my experience and understanding, her developments help to further understand possible consequences of various (culturally formed) patterns that otherwise have come to be taken for granted. Anyone interested in further understanding what cultures are made of for the present is warmly recommended to give this workshop-series a try, meet potentially interesting other explorers, in a very exciting and interesting, as well as affirming environment.”

—Thomas Körtvélyessy, dance artist and re-former, certified Master Teacher of Kinetic Awareness®

“It's absolutely amazing to work with Deborah and the Viewpoints. I think the most amazing thing about it, is that it's for everyone. You do not have to be an artist, it's valuable in, I think, every kind of work you do, but especially in youre life. It gives you a different, brighter, perspective on things.”

—Femke Brinckman, Dance and Movement therapist

“I cannot recommend this class enough - for anyone who is already familiar with the Viewpoints material or who wants to deepen their practice. Deborah is an amazing teacher who has an answer to every question. I was amazed how easy it was to work with people in this virtual way and would do it again any time!”

—Ilka Luza , actress ilkaluza.de

”Deborah is a gifted and compassionate teacher. Her teaching and direction is clearly defined and she executes it with clarity and precision in a very heart-felt sense. The Viewpoints concepts were presented in very grounded and practical examples. And I appreciated the ingenious creative exercises and humor! This workshop helped me immensely in developing a deep connection to presence and gave practical tools useful in art making and everyday life.”

—Maryanne Chaney, dancer, teacher, choreographer

“Viewpoints is a system of developing awareness, deepening our perception of ourselves and how we exist in relationship to our planet and its inhabitants - sentient and otherwise. Designed by Mary Overlie primarily as a tool for creative exploration and performance, the system as presented by Deborah Black can be applicable to any endeavor - namely the complex act of living a human life. Studying with Deborah and the fantastic group she gathered for this inaugural course has not only impacted every part of my creative process but also offered me concrete tools for arriving more fully from one minute to the next in any circumstance. While I am still a novice, Deborah has helped me understand how deeper investigation into each of viewpoints and their relationships is a lifelong practice that will help me as a performer, maker, and person. I look forward to continuing this journey with Deborah and on my own in the studio and on the street.”

—Gina Hoch-Stall, Dance Artist, ginahochstall.weebly.com

“Deborah is a well suited to facilitate and teach the Viewpoints work because of her extensive background and experience. Over and above that she is calming steady, trusting and a true "midwife" of the work.”

—Martha Gelnaw, actress and corporate coach

“Deborah's Viewpoints workshop was just the right balance between the theoretical and experiential. I came out of it feeling physically and emotionally engaged and with a better understanding of how to apply the Viewpoints to my own work.”

—Anna Savant, actress

“Deborah's weekend introduction to Viewpoints was excellent. Her insights were both fascinating and helpful. As a facilitator, she created a calm yet encouraging atmosphere-- I felt comfortable and inspired to explore and experiment!”

—Terra Vandergaw, theatre-artist and teacher

“I love Deborah's research-based approach to facilitating and training. I felt free to try and try again without pressure to be anything but myself - and present. This mode of training was more like playing, and that in itself is radical presence.”

—Julia Levine, director

the fine print

(If you apply and pay and then cancel your attendance on or before December 17, I will refund you your costs, minus $25 to account for administrative overhead. If you cancel your attendance after December 17th then all costs are non-refundable.)