Resilience

In my pink themed journal we used rhubarb as an image for resilience. It is able to grow, thrive and sweeten in darkness. One of the prompts was to think about someone who inspired us by their resilience or ability to thrive during harsh conditions. 

I immediately thought of my modern dance teacher Truda Kaschmann, who left Germany with her husband and young daughter as the Nazi's were coming to power. I began taking classes with her when I was 7 or 8 years old and continued weekly until I was 18. I still attended into my 30's, but not as often. She taught adults and children until she passed in 1986, at 80 years old. 

Truda had a huge impact on me and truly shaped me as an artist. During the improvisational part of our classes she asked questions like, what if you tried this? How can you do this in a different (creative) way? She often read us a poem one line at a time and we would interpret it through movement. She encouraged any and all interpretations. Truda was strict about our form, but always loving and encouraging. She practiced discipline and freedom in each class she taught.

I wrote a tribute to Truda on my website that includes a photo of my mom when she was practicing a dance she would perform while she was taking classes with Truda. I did many performances myself, as it was part of our training. Truda taught us Martha Graham's technique.

She had a positive an impact on so many people. I am very grateful for her and the fact that she was able to leave oppression and thrive, helping many through her talents.