January 2, 2013
January Tidings
As we prepare for another calendar year, it is a snow laden winter here in the northern Rivertowns. I am visiting friends in a house, which has windows in all directions to let in maximum light. Large, swaying evergreens grace the property. There is a blanket of pure white snow on the ground, which swirls into a magical mist as the north wind sounds a muted whine across the hills.
In the distance, I see the blue hills of the Palisades balanced above the silver blue expanse of the Hudson River. I am transported to my memories of northern Vermont along Lake Champlain, with the graceful curve of mountains along a generous sweep of blue lake.
What visual and tactile splendor nature offers to us, softly and graciously. I consider it a gift every morning to awaken to the music of the wind, the chill of windswept snow mist upon my face, and the deep boughs of dark green which sway in the sunlight throughout the day.
Winter light is all the more precious as we have less of it. The mornings seem brighter and the afternoons give way to the darkness of evening, a time of reflection, repose and rest.
As a ballet dancer and yoga teacher, I love to move with the rhythms of nature. The beauty and structure of classical forms engages a wonderful life enhancing flow of breath which sustains a rich backdrop of gratitude. It is a wonderful gift to be alive, in tune with beauty and harmony, intrinsic to the patterns of nature. We learn to move in harmony with its patterns, learning grace and respect for its depths of feeling and expression, an ever changing landscape of light, power, beauty, sound and movement, constant throughout the four seasons.
I reflect on the coming year, the wonderful projects I have been nurturing into the world in dance, education, children’s book work, visual art, what a gift it is to be in an endlessly flowing cycle of inspiration and its fluid expression.
The more quiet and centered I am, the more the harmony flows, the more I can listen for the beauty to be expressed in the world. It requires being attentive, quiet, allowing, a very Zen posture of non-doing, non-being, simply letting the voice of inspiration speak and being the voice for that, as called through the modalities in which I work.
What will 2013 bring? For me, the further development of a children’s ballet story, teaching classical ballet, yoga , dancing. I also look forward to the gift of allowing more wonderful collegial relationships to blossom and grow, united in common purpose and shared love for our art form.
As I listen to the muted siren of north wind in the distance, I am reminded of one of my dearest childhood poets, Robert Frost:
“Whose woods these are, I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it’s queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep
But I have promises to keep.
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.”
And another of my favorites:
“Two woods diverged in a yellow wood…
…And I, I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference…”
What promises have we all still to keep? How will we, and the world be richer, if we follow through on them? By taking the road less traveled, listening to the call of our heart and spirit, will we each, and the world, feel a difference in having shone a brighter light to guide the way with our unique expression, wisdom, insight, gifts and talents?
As the great expanse of 2013 opens before us, what precious footprints and legacy shall we leave to be remembered? How will our lives and the lives of others be enriched in treading gently, reverently, with awareness, in tune with grace, passion and beauty for many years hence?
May we all move with grace, awareness, beauty and rich, deep feeling in response to the world around us in the coming months. May life continue to be blessed by our best selves, as we step, dance, sing, write, paint, give rise to new thought and vistas with passion, quiet reverence and deep awareness…
Copyright 2013 Claudia Jill Stoltman, MA
October 17, 2012
October Symphony
It is a crisp October morning. From my clear picture windows, I can see the richly colored foliage atop atop a blue stretch of river. Early morning chill gives way to the warming sun, which pierces through late morning into early afternoon, as golden and burnt orange leaves cascade to the mottled patches of sunlight and shadow dancing along the ground.
From a place of early morning stillness, I reflect on how autumn is so much a visual symphony, and rest in the quiet activity of feeling the interconnectedness of all of life.
This week I am seeing American Ballet Theatre perform The Leaves Are Fading, a timeless work of happy memories laced through a leafy late summer glade, danced with layered simplicity, warmth and humanity.
It is a tradition in which I am steeped as a classically trained dancer and educator, rich with the universal connection to expression, which is real, beautifully rendered, timeless, yes, and which reflects the best part of us.
As a dancer called to this ineffably beautiful art form, I am in touch with all these attributes. I am fortunate to be part of this tradition, which honors what is graceful in all of us.
It is a daily, moment to moment awareness and practice, as much a privilege to perform work, which is deeply felt, beautifully honed and carefully expressed with a hint of seeming spontanaeity, much like the wisdom and beauty of nature’s complex, yet predictable melodies, which come in cycles, every year, yet with a fresh voice anew each time: a burst of color and light, amidst the contrast of air which is both chilled and warming, all of a piece, moving, changing, timeless, recurring.
When we can “see” the music and feel the dance in visual beauty and splendor, sense the wisdom of rhythm and pacing in the orchestration of an autumn morning and its progression throughout the day and season, gathering momentum, reaching crescendo, gently resolving, to gather strength for heralding the next season, we are a part of the symphony.
Beauty and its timeless expression touches and includes all of us. That is its purpose and our birthright. That is why we are all here, to play a role in this gorgeous seasonal symphony. Sensing an intrinsic, underlying structure, we become attuned and respond, much like the dancers in a warm and timeless ballet, reverent, related, moving parts in the intricately connected web of the whole, a visual, kinesthetic and heartfelt expression of beauty, which we all have within.
What dance inspires you today? Where is your heart leading? how, with your multitude of knowledge, wisdom, talent, unique voice and inspiration can you contribute to the good of the whole, make the world a better place? By attuning to what is simply in front of us and within, we have all the inspiration we will ever need. All we need to do is recognize it and respond.
To your continuing journey of self discovery and expression, offered as a gift to the good of the whole.
Copyright 2012 Claudia Jill Stoltman, MA
September 24, 2012
Days of Awe
On this exquisitely clear autumn morning, I’m reflecting on the timeless meaning of the time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the Jewish High Holidays. These are known as the Days of Awe.
For years, I wondered why I have felt the tides of “resonant feelings” which rise and subside in waves of layered arcs throughout the seasons. I have always been attuned to nature, and the Jewish calendar grows out of the rhythms of the seasons, in respectful relationship.
As a classically trained dancer and visual artist, who is attuned to the inner world of listening, of emotion and its articulate expression in deeply felt movement and imagery, closely tied to a rainbow spectrum of musical expression, I now understand why, and where my place in the universal scheme of this is deepening.
Over the last ten years, I have come home to the timeless essence of my own Jewish heritage, with my greatest point of connection through Hebrew chanting and music. I have always marveled at how the most soulful, sweet, beautiful and moving melodies can be created from centuries of heartache and redemption. Perhaps this is why compassion is the overarching through-line, which runs through our tradition, tempered with a strong sense of personal identity and expression grounded in strong, clear ethics and values: a respect for life, the soul, and a celebration of all that is life affirming, a profound and joyous investment in children as your legacy, with a deep respect for both the suffering, and enlightenment, borne therein, which precedes coming generations. These are “songs” which we all share in essence.
This is a time of reflection. As my voice grows stronger, more pure and expressive within the spiritual family of our Temple choir, I understand how my path as a dancer, my dancing those timeless and exquisitely beautiful classical ballets, and rendering visual images with precision, detail, respect for beauty and tradition, as an artist, are intimately tied.
Where else can we express our souls with grace, with eloquence, with totality, one hundred per cent dedication and passion? It is through the expressive arts, also celebrated in Judaism, which give beauty and meaning to all we have experienced, from the most deeply tragic to the most peaceful and exquisitely gentle. It is always a small group of gentle souls who change the world by example. We are all artists in our purest essence, and we all intuitively understand that grace is the only power which heals and uplifts, but it is a grace which acknowledges all the suffering, all the heartache, as well as those exquisitely precious times of joy and celebration, which weave the tapestries of our lives, and which are communicated in ways that move us most deeply, transforming our lives as we become willing architects of destiny.
By transforming within and expressing purely without, we craft a more beautiful destiny.
It is the hallmark of all truly great art and great humanity.
As I choose the privilege of singing pure Hebrew melodies, as I dance the classics and render art, which encompasses the pure landscape of timeless feeling, all becomes one: Voice, dance and visual imagery, laced with true emotion speak to all of us with sincerity.
It is the only true value, which allows us a life that breathes, and lasts, with meaning.
Perhaps that is why we know these to be the Days of Awe.
Copyright 2012 Claudia JIll Stoltman
August 14, 2012
Reflections on Water
I live in the village of Hastings-on-Hudson, NY, a charming Rivertown just north of New York City. I can see peaceful trees gracing the adjacent property from my bedroom window, and my dining room has a generous bay window which allows me an expansive view of the Hudson River. Small and tall ships cruise the shoreline. If we’re lucky, we can catch a glimpse of Pete Seeger’s Clearwater!
The trees give me a feeling of security, being grounded and connected with nature and the stable energy of the earth. The water views are soothing and invigorating, also peaceful and energizing at the same time.
These become my touchstones during a day of ballet rehearsal, contemplation, writing and the crafting of children’s books, as well as my ongoing role as coach and mentor, having served in this role of educator for years through all that I do. I have a feast of beautiful visual imagery to soothe my senses and inspire a feeling of deep peace, which flows into my creative work. Ultimately that is the feeling of grace and richness that I wish to give to people, my legacy: beauty and grace, deeply felt, peace.
I took a trip to our neighborhood pool yesterday evening. During the week, at the end of a workday, , it is a balm for body and soul. Not your typical suburban pool, our treasure is surrounded by evergreens and beautiful woods with hiking trails leading to the well known Sugar Pond, where families ice skate in the winter time. It is a community hamlet, where soothing swims calm the souls of our little village and people meet with a feeling of joy, appreciation and peace.
On the weekends, I generally swim first thing in the morning. The precious sunlight of summer mornings bounces on the gentle waves. Peals of children’s laughter fill the air. Parents are refreshingly joyful, as they engage their children’s own joy in the water, connecting with that playful part of themselves, which knows how to laugh and to enjoy life.
Last night there was a modest pool party for teenagers. Adults were politely asked to leave the pool at 8:00. The pool staff tossed pastel colored patterned balloons into the wate and as search lights gently cast a reflection upon the water, I reveled in the bobbing of these gently colored baugles along the surface.
As I chatted with a neighbor about her family trip to Tuscany, a place where people also know how to live and appreciate what is important in life: people, friendship, sharing meals and happy occasions as a daily way of life, I remembered how fortunate I am to have this deep appreciation for all that is simple, childlike, beautiful and real in life.
I reflect on the gentle Zen wisdom of haiku, which wisely reflects upon nature and the simplicity of everyday life as a metaphor, a sweet balm for all that our souls may be seeking and which can be found at any given time. Grace springs to mind: a feeling of ease, joy and lightness, readily accessible.
I returned home with a feeling of grace in my heart. My two kittens, Giselle and Mozart, sweetly rose from their evening nap with sleepy half opened eyes to greet me. I was home, in my self, my surroundings, in the deep feeling of comfort, which comes from being in harmony with oneself and one’s environment. How fortunate is that.
Copyright 2012 Claudia Jill Stoltman
August 15, 2012
Late Afternoon Tea
Shortly before my trip to Cambridge, a thought of my younger brother, Adam’s childhood friend, David, popped into my mind. I sent a quick email, to which he promptly responded, and after I returned from New England, David and I met for late afternoon iced tea at a quiet teahouse on Irving Place. I was transported to my childhood memories of old New York with ist spare, elegant simplicity, a world of great depth, comfort, literary value and cultural richness.
As we chatted about his children, and his work as a psychiatrist, I noticed the vibrant connection we share with people who have been a part of our lives a long time, and who have walked along similar paths of self discovery. It turns out his daughter is a gifted visual artist, who plays piano and flute, which was also true of me at a similar age.
I marveled at how much we are all a subtle thread of influence in one another’s lives, and how people in completely different chosen fields can share common threads of interest and integrative foundations based in the values, exposure and influences with which we were raised.
As a classically trained dancer and visual artist, I have been a teacher for years, dancing as my central through-line, practicing and teaching yoga, and also a visual artist entering the world of children’s books. It is a path of educational development through the arts, whether performing, allowing art and children’s book work to be created, working with young people or mentoring teachers.
David teaches, has a private practice and guides developing residents in the field in which he works.
We both appreciate the value of the arts in developing people, and have unique perspectives, yet a similar source of inspiration in our purpose in life.
Like most intuitive people, we understand how to take in and process information, to reflect and to respond in life affirming ways to what is being presented over the course of our lives.
I think it is this quality, which constitutes what is known as resilience, an ability to respond to life and to contribute to its continuity with equal vibrancy. I firmly believe that is what we are all here to do.
It always amazes and reassures me to know that kindred spirits find one another. All my closest friends share this approach to life and to people, making their lives richer and more whole.
It is comforting to affirm the knowledge that all that we seek is also seeking us, and already a part of us. This is the most affirming reflection I know of the universal idea that we are all connected, a faith, belief in, respect for and cooperation with the idea of synchronicity.
When we are attuned to the deeper rhythms of the universe, we are guided by our intuitive knowing, which always leads us to deeper truths and understanding. I find it a great source of comfort to know that our friends are walking along a similar path. We are here to support and inspire one another.
Copyright 2012 Claudia Jill Stoltman
August 12, 2012
Rhode Island Coast Respite
My time in Cambridge was followed by a visit with a long-standing friend and classmate from Brown University, who lives in Middletown, Rhode Island. Rachel is a kindred soul, a gifted Renaissance person who teaches yoga, personal growth workshops, dance for Parkinson’s patients, a talented visual artist and clothing designer and all around wonderful person.
We enjoyed shared meals with two of Rachel’s three daughters at home, folk music created in her living room with her husband and good friends, and precious time walking along the beach and swimming in the ocean early in the morning.
As a child, I remember a legendary summer in Cape Cod, spent with my immediate family, aunt, uncle and cousins. My uncle was a marine biology teacher who treated his work as an art from. His love for his subject brought the New England coast alive for me. That, coupled with my fascination with visual form, movement and kinesthetic learning in the natural world opened a world of discovery, where every walk along the beach, every gentle or crashing wave as I swam in the ocean, brought a joy so palpable, I could only revel in its sheer delight. It was a beautiful balance of quiet awe with the vibrant comfort of being alive within this magical world of the beach.
It became a part of us.
As Rachel and I walked along the beach in Newport and later swam with a group of her friends, I was brought back to that timeless memory.
There is something so deeply restorative about the ocean and its beach. It is a place, which gently unites everyone upon it.
I was both aware and happily a part of friends and neighbors greeting one another as we strolled the ocean’s edge along the early morning sand. We were all friends in this setting. The natural world brings all of us together in a spirit of discovery and love for its timeless beauty and steady, yet always newly discovered tides and movement.
Copyright 2012 Claudia Jill Stoltman
August 10, 2012
The Arts and Passion Driven Learning
I recently returned from a wonderful conference with Yo Yo Ma and the Silk Road Project at Harvard Graduate School of Education. I was honored to have been invited to attend. I was immediately ushered into a world in which I am much at home: where the passionate generosity of the artistic community met a great reservoir of respectful learning and contemplative work shepherded by educators.
As a community, we gathered for talks, lectures, small group discussions and workshops, as equal learners and teachers, sharing our insights with one another, making our lives richer to return to the world at large where we serve to learn and teach, in turn.
I was especially moved by a lovely workshop offered by Shaw Pong Liu, one of the talented violinists and storytellers with the Silk Road Project. Asw a group, we interpreted a story spoken in English, Chinese, movement and music. We also composed our own story with layered music, sound and voice created together. The broad classical theme was Home ~ Rainstorm ~ return to Home.
As a group, we reveled in the discovery of words, sound and music, connoting “home” including the Chinese word for mother, “ma” spoken with a flat, consistent inflection. We recorded sound and words spoken with resonant meaning, as well as the rich gift of silence in between, something to which we agreed to uphold as to duration and its essential value in the fabric of our creation.
My favorite part of the workshop was the emphasis placed on listening. By attending to the music created by our fellow participants, we basked in the silence to find a way to contribute which truly enhanced the good of the whole.
The result was a richer story, crafted by all of us. It was deeper, more meaningful, felt, as a gateway to knowing.
The learning, which touches us at deeper leveles, is what we remember. I left with a feeling of vibrant peace fulfilled, a memorable experience, one, which I have integrated into the fabric of my being, touched, now with a richer stream of felt experience.
Copyright 2012 Claudia Jill Stoltman
May 15, 2012
A Season To Remember
As spring turns a corner, I often wonder what it is that draws flocks of children and families to the Metropolitan Opera House for American Ballet Theatre’s Spring Season.
From the gracious architecture with circular stairways, which welcomes the audience, to the beautifully rendered and carefully selected ensemble of color, fabric, sets and exquisite movement, there is a magic which lights up the hearts of everyone in attendance.
As a classically trained dancer and educator who has brought many a group to the ballet, nothing warms my heart more than seeing the sheer delight of children recognizing phrases they have discovered in their own ballet class performed on the grand stage.
To share this experience with a parent and family friends makes it richer in understanding the lasting beauty and value of ballet education and performance.
Where else can our hearts soar with the breathtaking leaps of virtuoso dancers, the poignant adagios performed in Swan Lake or the sheer joy and ebullience of Sleeping Beauty’s Garland Dance?
I remember my own classes as a young ballerina. Bettina Dearborn, my childhood teacher, was gentle, elegant woman with fawn colored hair swept up. I will never forget our lesson at age seven, holding our arms in second position to build strength and stamina, as all the corps de ballet dancers do in Swan Lake. I was both proud and awestruck at being invited into this privileged tradition.
Years later, at an invited rehearsal of ABT’s Cinderella, Kirk Peterson graciously led Paloma Herrera and Giuseppe Piccone in a warm and elegant pas de deux. I entered the room quietly, in respect for my fellow dancers. When complete, I couldn’t help but praise the trio with candor and affection. Paloma and Giuseppe politely kissed one another on the cheek, an easy tradition in our profession.
Grace, gentility and elegance are woven throughout the tradition, from a mannerly approach to classes, to rehearsal, to the stage where the culmination of hard work, sparkling technique and spontaneous emotion, wrought from hours of dedicated preparation come alive, reaching past the footlights.
As a dancer who teaches, watching the doe eyes of my students with mouths gaping in awe as they recognize excerpts from their own choreography, on the stage, I understand what it is all about. Legacy and tradition keep us all inextricably tied to ballet, as dancers, teachers, students, parents, family and friends. We are united in beauty and eloquence, pathos and humor, drama and stillness as the swan ballerinas scatter like flowers along the lake with mist rising in the last act of Swan Lake.
I watch as one student peels off after the performance, hand clasped by her mother in a silent moment of sharing gentle tears, being moved by the sheer beauty of what they have witnessed, and experienced, together.
As we walk into the bright sunlight on Lincoln Center Plaza, I watch my young ballerinas twirl in their beautiful ballet dresses, like spring tulips scattered along the fountain’s edge, music still in their hearts, dance alive in their spirits, pulsing, everlasting.
That is what it is all about.
Copyright 2012 Claudia Jill Stoltman
Claudia Jill Stoltman 