Christian Swenson
Primary Discipline: Dance
Areas of Specialty: Human jazz (body and voice), Creative movement
Additional Disciplines/Specialties: Music, Theatre, Improvisation, Vocals, Mime
Based in: Seattle
Phone: 206-999-1245
Email: humanjazz@comcast.net
Website: www.humanjazz.com
Biography: Performing artist, Christian Swenson, was born and raised in New Hampshire. He has an extensive background in dance, mime, voice and improvisation and is known for his pioneering work in what he calls "Human Jazz," a global fusion of dance/drama/music for body and voice. In 1977 he received a B.A. in Theater from the University of New Hampshire and moved to Seattle to apprentice with the Bill Evans Dance Company. His work as a solo performer and teacher has taken him throughout the United States, Nepal, Japan and Europe. Swenson has received Fellowships from The National Endowment for the Arts, Washington State Arts Commission and Artist Trust of Washington. He resides happily in Seattle with his wife, Abigail, and two children.
When asked about his approach as a Teaching Artist, Mr. Swenson wrote this: “All young students spend too much time trying to sit still. Their bodies long to move. I offer students the experience of creative, non-competitive play. I teach them how to improvise with each other, as dancers, actors and musicians do, but with just their bodies and voices. No batteries required. My teaching mixes the genres of dance and mime. I begin by teaching movement elements and curriculum-based lesson plans but my primary objective is to teach students how to enjoy moving together creatively, to explore the world through movement. What does it mean to think with your body? I also relate movement to science, communication, history and religion. I have been teaching in the schools for over twenty-five years and I relate to students of all ages. As a successful straight male teaching dance, I can break down stereotypes and provide a positive role model to young men.”
Suitable for Grades: K-12
Preferred Grades: 3-12
Curriculum Integration Possibilities: Literacy, Reading, Writing, Science
Additional Interests/Experience:
- Leading Professional Development workshops for K-12 Teachers
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