Rhythm and speech into movement

Chrystal Hayn, Diana Constantin Skinner and Daniel Skinner are in Hyderabad on behalf of “London Eurythmy” for a workshop at Prerana Waldorf School that aims to bring harmonious rhythm and speech to the body movements of a child. Says Chrystal “Eurythmy is an expressive movement programme  which was brought into existence by Rudolf Steiner and Marie von Sivers to interpret language and music.

“Speech could be in the form of poetry, dialogues or vowels and consonants. It could be one person or a group of persons who can participate in this performing art which also involves literature, drama and colour. The movements could be in four directions or straight line formations. This art helps a child in terms of their health, their resilience capacity,  building interacting capacity with friends, teachers and the world; and has therapeutic value. I have taught teenagers with special needs, public groups, students of the London College of Eurythmy and have conducted workshops internationally.”

According to Daniel, “Sounds of a language enhance the meaning of the language. Speech and music is made ‘visible’ through this art form. Colour too plays a very important part in the whole philosophy of ‘Eurythmy’. This program has been successfully implemented in many other countries before this. We now have big plans for Hyderabad. We intend to open a four year part-time course for teachers from all over the world who can become specialists in the subject. I have been trained at the London School of Speech and Drama and have performed in Rudolf Steiner’s mystery dramas internationally. I am deeply guided by the subject of ‘Anthroposophy’. This brings about self-discipline, concentration and meditation.”

On Sunday, the workshop concludes with a performance of Shakespeare’s play The Tempest at Prerana Waldorf School, Gachibowli.

— Jaywant Naidu Musician, Creator of ‘Jaywant Guitar’and a freelance photographer