Berkeley Moving Arts

Ruth’s Hawkins classes are one of the best things I’ve done for my body. As a former professional dancer who had many injuries, I thought modern dance was out of the realm of possible for me, Having taken class (and danced in Ruth’s company) for the last 4 years I feel my dancing has evolved into more freedom and expressiveness.
The deep somatic awareness of How the body works most efficiently is something all dancers will benefit from, and the class moves in a mindful pace, which makes it perfect for newer dancers or dancers recovering from injuries.
Hawkins was a master of flow and ease of movement, which is fairly different from most athletic-​based classes at studios today. HIs famous quote «Tight muscles don’t feel»

Hawkins modern dance technique taught in a wonderfully supportive atmosphere by Ruth Botchan, a true master teacher who danced with Erick Hawkins himself. If you are not familiar with Hawkins — a system of movement more integral to the body than many other dance techniques — it is well worth finding out about. I have been taking class with Ruth for decades (yes, plural), and always find more nuances to develop in my technique. I could not possibly recommend her classes more highly!