Fine Arts Council Conference 2025: Arts Unleashed

In "Myths of Motivation," Lauren debunks common misconceptions surrounding motivation, particularly in the context of dance training. Drawing on impactful academic research, Lauren draws the distinctions between motivation and discipline while exploring the pillars of motivational training climates. In this timely and tangible presentation, Lauren equips dedicated performing arts teachers with insights to inspire and empower their students from the training to the stage.

Ever wanted to find a collaborator to realize a vivid visual landscape to augment your choreography? Curious about ways that lighting supports and elevates the physical virtuosity of dancers? In this one-hour workshop we will explore what a lighting designer can bring to your piece, how they can fit into your process, and how to communicate your ideas to them and their technical colleagues. Note taking implements recommended.

In this session, teachers will become familiar with different approaches and tools to enrich dance creation and choreography for their students, as we include our own creativity in the process. Through fresh perspectives and activities (games!) we will build choreography from our personal movement preferences -or our signature neuromuscular types. This approach is engaging and also very useful for class management as we make sure that students feel included and welcomed with all of themselves. Included in the session as well: dynamic anatomy and neuromuscular activation; Laban and Elements of Dance; locomotor and non-locomotor patterns as transitions; and basic group shapes to stimulate collaboration and creation.