Thursday evening: Artists Showcase- Karen Montanaro
If you are familiar with the “fish philosophy” than you are aware of the 4 components: 1) play, 2) make their day 3) be there and 4) choose your attitude. And if you know Karen Montanaro you are aware that she is the epitome of that philosophy. At the Arts Content! conference “Celebration” on Thursday evening Karen ‘WOWED’ the participants with her performance drawing everyone in to enjoy themselves thoroughly!
An interview with Karen Montanaro: dancer/performer/wonderful all around person!
1. What was your most rewarding experience as a teaching artist?
Each workshop is a barrage of rewarding moments. Before every class, I feel like a race horse, chomping at the bit to get started. I really can’t wait to dive into the thrills and challenges of mime and dance. I bypass words and explanations and go right into the actual experience of moving, knowing that the kids will learn so much from the experience itself. It is rewarding for me to watch them struggle and accomplish the intricate movements of dance and the magical movements of the mime illusions. Teachers often express their delight and pride at the attempts and gains of their students. So often the teachers have shared how this workshop has given them a new perspective on a child in their class. I look forward to watching the children’s expressions when I tell them that the skills they use in mime and dance may be applied to math or science or basketball or anything requiring focus, timing, precision and follow-through. There have been countless rewarding experiences as a teaching artist, and I look forward to more.
2. How did you find yourself in this profession?
Participants join in the fun
I am motivated by a deep desire to inspire young people to do their best at all times. I do this using the vehicles of mime and dance because these movement-disciplines have taught me so much about myself and my connection to other people and the world around me. Mime and dance are natural ways for me to communicate with students. They are also natural ways for me to share the joy of self-discovery, self-mastery, and self-expression.
3. What are some of the primary goals in your res idencies?
To use mime, dance and movement in engaging ways to : –Get young people energized and excited about doing their best and learning new things, –Give young people a sense of accomplishment and effervescent joy, –Sharpen the students’ focus, –Access the students’ energy, –Provide a creative outlet for the students’ –And activate their imaginations all at the same time!
4. Who are you available for (schools, camps, private engagements, etc) and when are you available?
I am happy to consider all venues with the appropriate physical requirements. Please feel free to contact me by clicking here to discuss any teaching/performing possibility. I am available year-round.
5. What do you hope to achieve as an artist?
As a performing artist, I strive to keep learning, exploring, creating and trying new things. I strive to expand my solo-repertoire as well as my collaborations with other performing and visual artists. As a teaching artist, I strive to be the very best teacher I can be. One day, I hope to design a movement curriculum that will be part of every child’s school experience, from kindergarten through high-school and beyond. I intend to direct a performing troupe of school children and teenagers who create their own stage material and tour the world inspiring other children and teenagers to explore their creativity too.
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