Students Engage with The Body Keeps the Score Through Dance and Discussion

On Wednesday, November 6, students at our Merle-Smith Campus had the privilege of witnessing a powerful performance by Cedar Crest College faculty and apprentice dancers during Assembly. Entitled "The Body Keeps the Score: Dancing with Trauma and Recovery," the presentation explored the physical manifestations of trauma and healing, inspired by Bessel Van der Kolk's renowned book, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. This meaningful performance offered students a unique and creative lens on how the body holds onto stress and how movement can facilitate recovery.

The experience continued on Thursday, November 7, with a reflective discussion in Dyer during Assembly. Choreographer and Artistic Director Sarah Carlson, Composer Vernon J. Mobley, and dancer Tyree L. Scott led a talk-back session, where they shared insights into the work’s journey from conception to stage. Students engaged with the artists, asking questions about the creative process and the performance’s themes. This impactful two-day program, a collaborative and immersive learning opportunity, allowed our students, tech crew, and Cedar Crest community to connect through beauty, creativity, and an understanding of the body's role in processing stress and resilience.