Darla Johnson - The Art of Listening

This event will include a live dance performance from Darla Johnson's personal students! There will be three dances: a duet and two solos. 

Modern dance has evolved over time to encompass a wide variety of definitions. Stepping out of comfort zones and following the voice of improvisation is a much-needed necessity for modern choreographers."Listening is exactly where we need to start," says author Darla Johnson, founder of the Dance Department at Austin Community College in Austin, Texas.

The world of dance revolves around listening - to other dancers, students, the environment, and to oneself. The Art of Listening takes the reader on a guided tour of the different landmarks of listening needed to take a dance from idea to actuality. This book also explores how to listen to and express your creative voice, engage in creative processes and what practices work for each person as a choreographer, along with practical advice on rehearsal and performance etiquette. Those desiring to choreograph professionally will gain insight into what it takes to keep an improvisational mentality, the most basic tool for dance-making.

Darla Johnson is a choreographer, teacher and writer living in Austin, Texas. She was the co-artistic director of Johnson/Long Dance Company from 1990 to 2005. Darla founded the Dance Department at Austin Community College. She has received the Austin Community College Teachers Excellence Award twice. In 2009, Darla received the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Award.

In order to have anything signed at this event, a copy of the event book must be purchased from BookPeople. If you purchase your book from BookPeople in advance of the event, please save your receipt and present it at the event.

Thank you for supporting Darla Johnson and your local independent bookstore!