People Who Inspire Us: Anna Halprin

That's what I want dance to be about, something deeper, something more connected. It revealed the healing powers of arts. 

Muse for Life's Havalynn Rauber describing the life work of Anna Halprin

At Muse for Life, inspiration is most beautiful when shared. Therefore, we spend time meditating upon the people who inspire us, with the knowledge that doing so will help us create opportunities perfect for inspiring you. This week, we've spent time considering Havalyn's inspiration Anna Halprin. A professional dancer, choreographer, and pioneering expressive arts therapist, Halprin has cultivated an international reputation as an artist and healer who continues to work in 2011 even though she is over 90 years old!

While her longevity and determination to continue dancing are enough to inspire me, the nature of Halprin's programs are what produce the power to positively transform lives. Beginning with the San Francisco Dancer's Workshop of 1955, Halprin has been leading programs dedicated to dance's healing power and use as a medium for exploring social issues and developing strategies for confronting them in progressive and productive ways. As of 2011, Halprin continues to actively participate in the global community dance rituals "Circle the Earth" and "Planetary Dance: A Prayer for Peace." Individuals seeking formal training in Halprin's methods may attend the Tamalpa Institute, which Halprin founded with her daughter Daria in 1978. Watch CitizenFilm's snapshot profile of Halprin for more inspiration!