Émoré
“Émoré”—both e’s are like the one in “effort.”  But the purpose of the Emore
class is ease, not effort training or exercise.  The word “émoré” has been
coined to show several things.  Emotional release is the verbal meaning—
relaxation, re-discovering the child-like trust in the body, integration of
emotion thought and movement—these are the main goals and experiences
of this workshop.  Psychology, dance, spiritual disciplines, and experiential
learning (“organic education”) are its guidelines. The first 30 minutes involve
physical movement (no choreography or steps to learn), spontaneous
speech, listening, leading and following, taking turns, and invitations to “the
trickster.”

  The middle 30-minute section usually evolves (it depends on the interests
and desires of the participants) into open discussion related to stress, its
origins and management strategies; and psychoeducation.  The last 30-
minutes segment of the class is a return to the use of physical movement and
creativity, as in the first section.  Hand dances, story-building, toning, side-by-
side stories, dancing “on behalf,” and ranting are examples of these
activities.  

  The benefits of this experience are unusual and very healthy for the muscles
and the brain.  Smiles, more relaxed faces, more self-awareness and
confidence, greater sense of community, and “tools you can take with you”
are a few of these rewards.

David Wolf has a Masters in community counseling, and a level one (of two levels)
certification in Interplay, which is the basis for about 2/3 of the class.  
He developed Émoré from a blend of many personal and professional experiences.  
by David Payne Wolf