"Irena's Dreaming a Place Workshop blew me away. As a person who
spends a lot of time outdoors, I was surprised at the newly profound
relationship I was able to create with the natural world and the
universe. I experienced a deep state of grace, awe, and beauty. It
is something I can draw strength from in my everyday life.

Irena's authentic and powerful connection with nature and movement, along with her creative guidance, set the stage for me to easily open up to a new level of celebrating life.

I can't wait to do this again."

-- Joseph Kraut, Michigan

ELEMENTAL ENERGY DANCE (Earth/Water/Air/Fire)
Saturday, March 13, 3-5 PM
Ommoves Studio, 218 North 4th Ave. Suites 203/204, Ann Arbor

A session of guided creative dance, with focus on the four ancient elements of earth, water, air and fire. Participants will be encouraged to transform everyday motions into improvisational energy dance from the inside out.

Designed for people of all ages and abilities who would like to dance with freedom and creative expression, and unite with the flow of energy, music and rhythm. No partner or experience necessary.

$30
734 996-1772

DREAMING A PLACE: ENVIRONMENTAL DANCE AND MOVEMENT MEDITATION
Sunday, March 21, 2:30 PM
Island Park, 1450 Island Drive, Ann Arbor

Following a breathing exercise and gentle warm up, participants dance, move or meditate in response to elements in the environment: trees, grasses, running water, wind, clouds, or anything in its dynamic, multilevel composition.

This dance is not a performance, and it does not matter what it looks like. Its purpose is to experience a sense of flow in partnership with the environment, to allow its expression in movement and stillness, to celebrate our oneness
with it and to be fully present.

Participants should bring anything they need for protection from the elements, allergens, etc. Children are welcome when accompanied by a responsible adult.

$5-20 sliding scale, or barter

(734) 996-1772
Please call if you have questions about the weather. There are shelters at the park. This workshop is fine in light rain. Irena is open to rescheduling it by request.

Environmental Dance and Movement Meditation with Irena Nagler/Nightfire
From 2-3 PM at the ANN ARBOR FALL RESKILLING FESTIVAL (more info below)
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009
Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor - High School
2230 Pontiac Trail
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105
Free admission to both this dance session and the festival

Description: Following a breathing exercise and gentle warm up, participants dance, move or meditate in response to elements in the environment: trees, grasses, running water, wind, clouds, or anything in its dynamic, multi-level composition.

This dance is not a performance, and it does not matter what it looks like. Its purpose is to experience a sense of flow in partnership with the environment, to allow its expression in movement and stillness, to celebrate our oneness
with it and to be fully present.

The potential skills to be developed are subtle ones: a growing ability to respond fully and appropriately to the present environment; a capacity to appreciate and journey within it taking a vacation without having to travel far or fast; perhaps, some sense of what life might have felt like for our earliest ancestors, who probably lived more at-one with it. A recent participant reported an enhanced sense of "where his food came from" when eating dinner afterward.

Bio: Irena Nagler is a writer and dancer who teaches creative and environmental dance. She has been coordinating community dance events and performances since 1987.

DREAMING A PLACE: Environmental dance
Workshops with Irena Nagler

Sunday, Oct. 18  3:30 PM
Foster Park, Ann Arbor
Huron River Drive near Bird Rd. Call for directions to nearest parking area.

Sunday, Oct. 25 , 2009 - 3:30 PM
Ann Arbor, Nichols Arboretum. Meet near peony garden and Washington Heights entrance.

In this workshop, participants will tune in to the elements that compose a place, and allow them to speak through the human body, hands and voice. The emphasis will be on dance and movement, but drawing, voice, music and visual art made from elements of the place, and poetry will also be encouraged.

Magical and fun, creativity attuned to environment can be an entrancing
journey and a homecoming. Though drawing on inspiration from Australian and Celtic traditions, we will primarily make our own spontaneous connections to place elements: merge, extend and weave; be travelers, without having to go far physically.

All living things, all elements directly sprung from earth, are dreamers.
Dream precedes and intertwines with action in the outer world. We will begin with attunement to our own breath and rhythms, then merge and interlace our dreams with what is around us, interpreting them through-- and extending-- our own feelings, imaginations and vocabularies. We will dance for as well as with the elements, with honor, love and respect. There will be occasional recorded music, and we will wind up with some freeform dancing to lively, organic music.

At the end of the workshop we may feel as though we had been on a restorative vacation, from having become closer to what exists around us. We will have plugged back into the greatest power grid of all.

Bring: Drinking water and anything you may need for protection from sun, rain, allergens, poison ivy, occasional rough terrain, etc. There will be a few ten-fifteen minute walks from one location to another; we'll take the more gently-sloping paths. Please contact Irena about any concerns.

Optional: Sketchbook/pens/pencils -- Poetry -- Water shoes.

No dance experience necessary! All ages welcome, but children must be
accompanied by a responsible adult.

$5-20 Alternative trade considered.

Directions to Nichols Arboretum:
From downtown Ann Arbor, intersection of Main and Huron: Go east on Huron, left on Division. Take Division to Broadway, crossing the Broadway Bridge.
Right on Maiden Lane, continue to cross Fuller onto Medical Center Drive.
Follow it to its junction with Washington Heights; peony garden entrance is on the left. Free parking is available on Sundays at a small lot on Washington Heights (to reach lot, continue on Medical Center Drive up hill, west, turn left on Observatory, left again on Washington Heights, parking lot is on right). There is also parking on Nichols Drive (off Medical Center Drive opposite hospital area).

Contact: birena@umich.edu; 734 996-1772

Irena Nagler has been performing environmental dance since 2003, dancing and directing with Nightfire for eleven years, and facilitating community dance events since 1987. She has taught creative writing for children and improvisational dance with adults.

Creative Energy Dance (Water/Air/Earth) with Irena Nagler
February 28, 3-5 PM
Guild House, 802 Monroe St., Ann Arbor

A session of guided creative dance, preceded by a short performance by Nightfire dancers, and with focus on a the elements of water, air and earth. Participants will be encouraged to transform everyday motions into freestyle dance, both relaxing and energizing.

Designed for people of all ages and abilities who would like to dance with more freedom, creative expression and attunement to music and rhythm. No partner or experience necessary.

$5-20 sliding scale
734 996-1772
www.twofeather.com/nightfire

January 31, 3-5 PM
GUild House, 802 Monroe St., Ann Arbor
1st in a series of four on fourth Saturdays from Jan. to April; forthcoming locations TBA

A session of guided creative dance, preceded by a short performance, and with focus on a theme of the fire element. Participants will be encouraged to transform everyday motions into freestyle dance, both energizing and relaxing.

$5-20 sliding scale
734 996-1772

My 11 year old daughter and my 9 year old son have had the pleasure of dancing and performing with Irena. Their confidence in performing dance has increased 10-fold under her gentle direction and encouragement. They genuinely look forward to every opportunity to dance with Irena and ask frequently when the next dance will be.

-- Jennifer Benson

Mondays, 6:30-7:30 beginning Feb. 9
Sunward Cohousing Common House, 424 Little Lake Dr., Ann Arbor

Each session includes movement meditation on one or more elements and themes, and shows how one can translate everyday motions into dance. Designed for people who would like to free their dancing spirit, feel alive and present in body, extend range of expressive motion, and become more attuned to music and rhythm. Sessions conclude with freeform dancing to eclectic music, to uplift, relax and energize!

Over the weeks the class will progress from simple encouragement to move freely, and the transformation of ordinary motions into dance, to:

Dancing the elements (Fire, water, air, earth, "quintessence")
Dancing based on movements in nature, especially animals
Experimenting with dancing in pairs, groups
Trying out props for creative expression (fabric, masks, etc., provided by instructor)

Class fee is $35 for eight weeks; $30 for Sunward Cooperative residents; $10 for drop-ins, or see instructor if you'd like to join the class for less than eight weeks. To register, please call 734 996-1772 or email birena@umich.edu.

Directions: Sunward Cohousing is between Wagner and Zeeb and south of Jackson Road in Ann Arbor

From Ann Arbor:
Take Jackson west to Parkland Plaza (across from the Saturn and Lexus Dealers). Go south on Parkland Plaza. Turn right (west) at Little Lake Dr. Follow the curve around and it's the first complex on your right. You may park on the edge of Little Lake Dr. or in the lot if there's room. The Common House is the big green building closest to the parking lot.

-- Jennifer Kovach

Freeform Dance and Movement: Tutoring, Classes and Performances
Relaxing, energizing and empowering

for
*Small groups of families and friends (all ages)
*One-on-one tutoring for women/girls
*Parties and gatherings (all ages)

*I can assist you in freeing the joyous, uninhibited and creative dancer in you. I will work with you toward your goals.  We can focus on simply opening to the flow available in dancing freely, and/or create dances based in poetry, mythology, your own history or process, and other sources.  Masks, fabric and other props can be incorporated.

*We can choose a location suited to your wishes and needs, which may take into consideration factors like lighting, privacy, presence or absence of mirrors, and nature of the flooring.  Your home, my basement, or a local dance studio or church recreation area are some of the options.

*For outdoors: I teach environmental dance, attuning to elements in Nature: Relaxing, uplifting and flowing with life's own amazing dance.  It will welcome you home!

*I'm available to perform and teach dance at parties and other gatherings, and to assist in clarifying and carrying out dreams and schemes for them.  Additional dancers and live musicians may be available as well.

*My background: 21 years experience facilitating community dance gatherings; eleven years performing and producing original, collaborative dance theater works with people of all ages; two years teaching workshops and classes.

*My rates for tutoring and classes vary according to number of participants, location and other factors: Sliding scale from $10-50 per hour, with an introductory rate of $5-10.

*Performing and teaching at parties: $150-200 sliding scale; negotiable for nonprofit organizations or similar groups.

*I am open to barter/alternative exchange.

*References available from students, employers and artistic collaborators.

Contact me:

Irena
birena@umich.edu
(734) 996-1772
www.twofeather.com/nightfire

September 21, 2008 - 3:30 PM
also October 12, 2008 - 3:30 PM

Nichols Arboretum: Meet near peony garden and Washington Heights entrance

The workshop is followed by a mask-optional dance party with food and world
music.

No experience necessary. All ages welcome (under 16 accompanied by
adult.)

$5-20 sliding scale. Alternative trade considered.

734 996-1772

Irena Nagler has been dancing in masks since age 5. Her more
recent experience includes ten years of directing and performance with
Nightfire Dance Theater, and twenty involved in coordinating community
dance events. She teaches workshops in dance improvisation and
environmental dance.

DREAMING A PLACE
Environmental dance, poetry and art
Workshop with Irena Nagler

Sept. 23, 2007 - 3:30-5:30 PM
County Farm Park, Ann Arbor

Meet at Medford Pavilion, visible from parking area off Medford Rd.

In this workshop, participants will tune in to the elements that compose a place, and allow them to speak through the human body, hands and voice. The emphasis will be on dance and movement, but drawing, voice, music and visual art made from elements of the place, and poetry will also be encouraged. Magical and fun, creativity attuned to environment can be an entrancing journey and a homecoming. Though drawing on inspiration from Australian and Celtic traditions, we will primarily make our own spontaneous connections to place elements: merge, extend and weave; be travelers, without having to go far physically. All living things, all elements directly sprung from earth, are dreamers. Dream precedes and intertwines with action in the outer world. We will begin with attunement to our own breath and rhythms, then merge and interlace our dreams with what is around us, interpreting them through-- and extending-- our own feelings, imaginations and vocabularies. We will dance for as well as with the elements, with honor, love and respect. The workshop will include one structured improvisation experience to give participants a sense of the performing-art aspect of environmental dance. There will be occasional recorded music, and we will wind up with some freeform dancing to lively, organic music. Rain or shine: shelters available. The area includes woodland, prairie, water and gardens.

Bring: Drinking water, picnic blanket and anything you may need for protection from sun, rain, allergens, poison ivy, occasional rough terrain, etc.
And: Optional: Sketchbook/pens/pencils -- Poetry -- Water shoes.

No dance experience necessary!

All ages welcome, but children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

$10-20 ($5-10 students/seniors) Alternative trade considered.

Directions:

From Plymouth Rd. and Broadway St. in Ann Arbor: Take Plymouth to Huron River Parkway; turn right. Right on Washtenaw. Left on Manchester. Take Manchester to Medford. Near their junction is a chiropractor's office on Medford. The entrance drive to the Medford parking area is opposite. A sign will be posted there. Medford Pavilion is noticeable, painted red.

From S. Main St., Ann Arbor: At junction with Saline/Ann Arbor rd., go east on Stadium. Turn right on Washtenaw, right again on Manchester.

Directions from outside of Ann Arbor:
From US-23, take Exit 37B, Washtenaw Avenue West. Merge onto Washtenaw Avenue and continue for 1.3 miles. You will pass Arborland Mall on your right, followed by Barnes & Noble (on your right, at Huron Parkway) and Washtenaw County Recreation Building (on your left, at Platt Road). The next traffic light after Platt is Manchester Road. From the left-turn lane, turn left onto Manchester Road. Take Manchester to Medford. Near their junction is a chiropractor's office on Medford. The entrance drive to the Medford parking area is opposite. A sign will be posted there. Medford Pavilion is noticeable, painted red.

Park website: Alternative entrance to the park mentioned here is at the far end of it from the workshop meeting point. Website has a trail map with paths leading to Medford Pavilion. http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments/parks_recreation/pavilions/cfp/pr_pkcfp.html

Contact: 734 996-1772
birena@umich.edu

Irena Nagler has been performing environmental dance since 2003, dancing and directing with Nightfire for ten years, and facilitating community dance events since 1987. She has taught creative writing for children and improvisational dance with adults.

DREAMING A PLACE - Environmental dance, story and art
Workshop with Irena

July 15, 2007 - 3:30-5:30 PM

Meet at Bandemer Park shelter, Ann Arbor (at end of drive)

April 14, 2007 3:30-5:30 PM

Sun Moon Yoga Studio, 404 W. Huron, Ann Arbor

http://sun-moon-yoga.com/

This work/playshop on dancing from the inside out is designed for people of all ages and abilities who would like to dance with more freedom, creative expression and attunement to music and rhythm. Participants will dance to eclectic music and occasional silence, drawing on kinesthetic sense and imagery based in natural elements, especially the building of a fire. No partner or experience necessary; the setting will be a studio with soft lighting and no mirrors.

The facilitator has been producing community dance events since 1987, including creative dance theater and freestyle improvisational dance sessions.

Have fun! Become the music! Ignite the spark!

$10, $5 students/seniors

Alternative exchange/barter also considered

Contact: 734 996-1772