About
Great Falls Creative Movement focuses on building social, emotional, spiritual and physical wellness through dance.
Founded in 2009 by dance educator Anna Hendricks, we offer unique, holistic and community-based dance programming at our studio, our outdoor/farm location and in partnership with schools and community groups in and around Franklin County, MA.
Our curriculum weaves together improvisation, social dance, mindfulness, somatic movement and concert dance practices. Our goal is to support each participants’ positive relationship with their own mind/body/spirit, with each other and with the wider world.
Our studio, located at The Brick House Community Resource Center’s Movement Studio in downtown Turners Falls, we offer inclusive, community-based dance classes for students of all ages. Programs include Mindful Movement classes for teens and adults, How do YOU dance, our signature curriculum for young children, Awesome Art in Motion, a year-long dance program for elementary aged children, and Dancing Together; a dance class for young children and their caregivers.
Our outdoor programs bring together dance and outdoor education with the goal of supporting the health and well-being of each participant and the earth we live on. Our outdoor programs take place on Abanaki, Pocumtuck, Nipmuc and Mohican land- in what is now known as GIll, MA – on a part-wild/part-cultivated homestead within walking distance of the Gill Elementary School.
We work with preschools, elementary schools and after school programs to provide free dance programming to children in Franklin County. Our programs include ongoing classes, artist in residencies and one-time workshops. Residencies range in length from one day to year-long, and can engage with one class or an entire school.
We offer support in locating and applying for funding to cover the cost of programming. To date we have been awarded eight STARS Residencies grants and five Local Cultural council grants providing full funding for in-school dance residencies and classes.
We partner with non-profits, libraries, community centers, private groups and families to bring inclusive, accessible, community-based dance experiences to folks of all ages. In community settings we offer ongoing classes, workshops and facilitated dance parties designed to meet the interests and desires of the community we are serving. To date, we have received four local cultural council grants to support our work in the community.