Peter Dimuro in class with the Institute participants at the Seqouia Park in Eureka, Ca.
by Chelsey Gregory
One of the greatest gifts The Cornerstone Institute has given me is the opportunity to re-inhabit my dancer body. It has been such an honor and a pleasure to learn from Peter DiMuro and Laurie Woolery how to integrate movement into theater. I’ve been focused more on theater in the past few years, so it has been a journey to trust my impulses as a dancer and choreographer, and to re-claim a part of me that was all of me for so long. Peter and Laurie have created and held space for that to happen, and I’m so thankful for their vision, trust and support!
I’m also thankful to have the opportunity to work with the other members of the Institute, as well as the community members. I am blown away again and again by everyone’s willingness to apply themselves, take risks and trust each other. It has also been amazing to watch how the production team and Cornerstone staff have set the tone for that to happen. The core principles that Cornerstone has set forth- respect, diversity, flexibility, mutual mentorship and transparency have shaped this experience for everyone involved. There have been moments of conflict, confusion and frustration as with any process, but our leadership team has continued to manage each situation with wisdom, grace and compassion, allowing things to keep moving beyond any obstacles that arise.
I am so glad I was able to be a part of this process, and it will inform the way I live and work for years and years to come.
