Cynthia Word is the Founder and Artistic Director of Word Dance Theater. Born and raised in Abilene, Texas, Cynthia began her modern dance training at the University of Illinois with choreographers Beverly Blossom, Chester Wolenski, Mary Anthony, and Sarah Rudner. She later received her Master in Fine Arts from The George Washington University, where she served on the teaching faculty. Based in Washington, DC, Cynthia and Word Dance Theater create Isadora Duncan-based dance/theater productions, blending compelling story, live music, and the dances of Isadora Duncan to create performances that are powerfully engaging to audiences.
Cynthia teaches Duncan Technique on Tuesdays at 12:15 PM at JOMDC Friendship Heights.
We sat down with Cynthia to talk about her life-long commitment to dance and her advice for new dancers.
- Why do you teach at JOMDC? What keeps you here?
I really enjoy all the different types of people who come to my class. I love hearing their stories and introducing them to the dance technique of Isadora Duncan. I enjoy the wonderful people who work at JOMDC as well.
- What can a dancer expect to learn from your class?
In my class we celebrate dance as a way of life! So we’re not only looking at technique, but also how do we express ourselves as humans through our dances. Dancers learn how to let breath carry them through the movements. They learn about moving with undulations and spirals. They learn small sections of original Duncan choreography and much more!
- What’s your advice for the beginner?
Believe that you can move, don’t judge yourself, relax, enjoy!
- What should dancers wear to your class?
Tops that have spaghetti straps and pants or shorts on bottom. I provide tunics to go over this if the student wants to wear it. Most do! Best shoes? Go barefoot!
- If you could talk to your younger dance self, what would you say?
To be true to myself.
- Why are you still moved to move?
I dance because I’m alive and my dance is deeply a part of who I am.
- What does dance do for you that other art forms do not?
It is an integration of body, mind, and spirit that is unique to the dance, and it allows me to dance what it means to be deeply and fully human.
- Describe your biggest dance “a-ha” moment.
When I met Jeanne Bresciani in 2004. She became my teacher, mentor, and friend.
- What words are you still living by today?
“The dancer of the future… the highest intelligence in the freest body”. –Isadora Duncan
“You were once wild here, don’t let them tame you.” –Isadora Duncan
Watch performances from Word Dance Theater here!
