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What defines you as a person?
I define myself as a whole person in an evolving active movement process. It is my truth. My fascination of movement and dance started when I first learned to walk and continued for years. It eventually blossomed into several career paths as a dance movement therapy clinician, educator, trainer, researcher and transportation manager in public service.
In my view, “dance movement speaks louder than words.” Actions are often void of intention, expression, passion, compassion and spirit. In current times, excessive use of technology is rapidly becoming a matter of survival while the mind and other core parts of a human being are ignored or absent. People engage in action, not in mindful movement or joyous movement of dance.
Who is your favorite author?
Anna Freud, twentieth century psychologist and psychoanalyst, daughter of Sigmund Freud, author of “The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defense.” A quote by Anna Freud, “Creative Minds have always been known to survive any kind of bad training.
Do you have any good or bad habits?
Since I don’t find time to shop for others, I shop for myself. I’ve spent too many hours shopping for clothes and accessories. To turn this bad habit into something good, I’ve learned to recycle some of my clothing and I’m planning to sell others. Look out for my great sales of vintage clothing on eBay!
How did this bad habit start?
I love fashion. Maybe that’s why started teaching at the State University of New York at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) more than 20 years ago. Many don’t know, I’m a Certified Image Consultant, thanks to the Center for Continuing Education and Professional Studies at FIT where I was trained.
What historical figure do you admire the most?
After earning the first PhD in dance movement analysis and therapy from New York University, I realized how little I really know and how much more there is to learn. My favorite historical figure is Socrates the Greek Philosopher who said, “Wisdom begins in wonder.” and “To know is to know that you know nothing. That is the meaning of true knowledge.”
Do you have a food addiction?
I’m addicted to all types of food from East to West, North to South and from all places in between as well as to all the phases before, during and after eating. However, my preference is Italian food, mainly because I grew up in a “good and plenty” atmosphere surrounded by my immediate and extended family. Eating was the main event. Family would gather round the table for hours. Food was the hub, the center, the cause for celebration, the time to connect, to share and give thanks. Food engaged us in many ways before, during and after eating, for example: observing how my grandparents baked and cooked and harvested the vegetables from their farm in Long Island; going food shopping with Mom always was an adventure; even the capturing of food, as in fishing with my Dad or picking out a live lobster in the fish market; preparing the food as in baking, cooking, and mixology; setting the table; sharing of multi course meals and drinks and lastly, cleaning up and singing and dancing afterwards. The kitchen is my happy place where the frig and cupboards are well-stocked with a great variety of tasty and sustaining food delights and where dance is not only allowed, but also encouraged.
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