Students in Tony Catanese's drama class got a special visit from a former student who now performs as a professional dancer. Barton "Bart" Cowperthwaite '07 worked with drama students on basic theater movement concepts and improvisation. 

"Movement is an important driving force to communicate in acting," he shared. "Performers have to be aware of their bodies and how movement can enhance the acting."

He described how using words and movement together can be powerful on stage, and how using movement instead of words ("speaking with your body") is equally effective.

"Every movement should portray the character and complement the script," he told students.

To illustrate his point, students joined in an improvisational skit called "Deaf Interpreter." In it, one student acted as an interviewer, one was a subject expert and the third acted out the dialogue. The interpreter was instructed to let the movements flow from a stream of consciousness.

"I was super impressed and excited they were willing to step into the scenes," Bart says. "At this age, it's important to break down the walls of self consciousness. You have to get them past thinking, 'What will people think of me?'"

 

Tony says, “Bart’s lesson reinforces what we teach students about creating characters. It was great to have his perspective so they understand how these concepts translate to real world performing.”

Bart has high compliments for the faculty at Graland, who were always supportive of his dreams as a dancer. In fact, Bart remembers the moment he became "addicted" to performing for an audience.

 

"In sixth grade I choreographed and performed a solo hip hop dance for the Upper School talent show," he says. "The 'worm' was my go-to move, and when I did it, the whole audience jumped to their feet and roared. I thought, 'If I can get everyone on their feet by moving around, I should get good at that.' So I did."

For more about Bart, read his biography on the Capezio website or watch a video of him in action.