by Eiko Otake

ANNA HALPRIN

No description is necessary for this amazing dance artist. She opened her studio and home to us anytime we were in the Bay Area. I sincerely feel that her work and teaching at her Mountain Home Studio in Marin County makes the American continent different. In fact, the world is a different place because of her and many of her students’ activities. Recently, she traveled to Israel with her grandson to teach Palestinians and Israelis together in the same class. I myself would not be teaching in the same way if I had not experienced her classes. She has a way in which every student feels she is there just for her or him.

At age 95, she just answered my email blast announcing the Danspace Project PLATFORM before anyone else:

Your announcement of your ambitious upcoming series of events had me gasping. Your project is amazing and you have the vision and tireless commitment to pull it off. I will inform friends in New York about it.

As for me I am doing a few museum exhibitions along with my regular schedule of teaching and events. Not wanting to travel much any more. Family keeps me busy as keeping up with dance projects.

She does this to so many people, actively keeping in touch with and encouraging all members of her tribe.

Oh, Anna. I am coming to see you soon after the Platform ends. My back straightens and I sit up taller when I think of you. Long Live ANNA!

This piece appears in its entirety in our catalogue: A Body in Places: Danspace Project PLATFORM 2016.