When words fail, music speaks. And during a year that has left most Americans speechless, the Curry College community found an outlet of relief in song and dance.

Fine and Applied Arts Professors Emily Howe and Christine Bennett have created robust programming around music and dance to not only bring togetherness to the Curry community in a time of isolation, but to also provide students with an expressive outlet to cope with anxiety, depression, and loss caused by the pandemic.

“Music and dance practice gives us a way of processing our emotions, making meaning, keeping our bodies healthy, and building community in these challenging times,” says Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Music, Emily Howe.

That’s true for Nysha Sanchez ‘21, who says, “Music to me has always been an outlet. I use it as a coping mechanism. I use it as a way to help me calm down, to concentrate on work, and to bring myself joy and happiness.” Sanchez is a member of Sing!, the College choir.

“We need to process the trauma of the pandemic,” says Associate Professor Christine Bennett. “Dance allows us to pause for a moment and witness life, the human body, expressiveness, skill, vulnerability, and generosity to name a few.”

For Nicky Lambert ‘23, the Modern Dance course gives students a sense of normalcy. “It’s a good change of pace from being at a desk and listening to a lecture and taking notes. In Modern Dance, we get our heart rate up and move, which is the best medicine for me.”

Modern Dance students also speak highly of the program because of its inclusive environment, no matter the skill level. “I would describe this group as a nonjudgmental place where you can be active and also try something new. The teachers are so supportive and are with you every step of the way,” notes Rachele Bouchard ‘22.

This spring, Howe and Bennett plan to ramp up programming even further with more virtual and in-person events. In a collaborative project titled, The Passage, members of Sing! are rehearsing and recording vocal parts, while students of the dance program are creating and recording movement pieces. “The video project will chart a journey from fear and uncertainty to hope, will feature a range of powerful and inspiring songs, and will showcase the beauty of Curry's campus,” says Howe.

“How can we be safe, mourn, express love or hope or joy? What do we need to let go of? What will we hold on to? These questions are informing our creative work this semester in The Passage," says Bennett.