Over three decades ago, Mary Seereiter
was introduced to the power of movement through African Dance. This experience
awakened a deep sense of spirit, a vital connection with the earth and a love
of that which can only be experienced through the non-verbal movement of body
and soul. Since that primal introduction, Mary has dedicated her life to the
practice, study and teaching of Movement Arts.
Mary created, developed and led the Dance Program at Lane Community College
from 1980 to 2003. She pioneered a somatic curriculum including Body-Mind
Centering ®, Authentic Movement, Anatomy for Dancers and studies in Laban
Movement Analysis™. Her background in dance and choreography have forged
her pursuit of the longevity of a healthy, moving body. Her interest in Body
Psychology led her to various forms of Healing Arts. Mary is a certified teacher
and practitioner of Body-Mind Centering, a certified Laban Movement Analyst
(CMA) and a skilled practitioner and teacher of Authentic Movement. She holds
a Master’s degree in Dance with a related field in Anatomy and Kinesiology.
She trained for one year as a counselor in the addictive behavior program.
She is a Registered Movement Therapist (RMT) through the International Somatics
Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA).
“From a very early age I have recognized Nature as a maternal powerful force in my life. Nature continues to inspire me and is integrated in all the workshops I conduct. This inspiration is coupled with a passionate hunger for somatic knowledge. My goal in teaching workshops is to explore the rich landscapes and microscopic life of our physical body. Using the body as source for movement content, we dive deeply into the cellular and tissue level. For me, the images, metaphors and meanings that have surfaced through the physical characteristics of the human body unite with physical characteristics of our natural world. I am constantly amazed at the recapitulation of the form and beauty within and without from microcosm to macrocosm, from personal to universal, from unconscious to conscious.”