At the beginning of the year, I received a wonderful invitation from Kim Languetin to teach at her dance course in Leysin, Switzerland. Having taught there last year and enjoyed an unforgettable experience, I happily accepted this second opportunity to return.
On November 13th, I took a direct flight from London to Geneva, followed by a scenic train ride to Leysin. While flights are routine, the charming little train from Aigle to Leysin never fails to excite me. Painted a bright green, this eye-catching train winds through lush vineyards and climbs into the mountains, offering breathtaking views all the way to the quaint town of Leysin.
The dance course began with an introduction to Margaret Morris Movement (MMM) – a technique deeply rooted in the area’s history, as it was once taught at a local hospital specializing in Tuberculosis treatment. I particularly enjoyed teaching this class, as it gave me a chance to explore the unique aesthetic and focus on breath within MMM exercises. The students were eager to discuss the importance of breathing and the artistic beauty of MMM movements.
Throughout the week, I offered a blend of technique and creative classes, a combination that really brings out the best in students. Not only did they learn to use their bodies with greater efficiency and grace, but they also had the chance to create their own dances and express themselves. I gave various creative prompts: one day, students walked through the room, stopping at random points to exaggerate everyday movements; on another, they used MMM exercises in an improvised dance. My colleague, Marie Ramsauer, also encouraged their creativity by asking them to lead movement with specific body parts. This exploration led to so many memorable moments, highlighting how movement helps us communicate and connect with ourselves.
Students practiced different dance styles throughout the week. In addition to MMM classes, they attended ballet, barre-à-terre, contemporary, and jazz classes. This mix allowed them to expand their dance vocabulary and discover the dynamics unique to each style. For some, learning completely new movements proved challenging, as with the three jazz pirouettes I taught that took them from one corner of the room to the other. Some students crossed the room confidently, while others struggled to find their footing—each attempt was full of energy and laughter.
One of my favorite sessions was the “body tuning” class, where I shared anatomy insights to help students better understand their muscles and skeletal structure. We explored each muscle’s movement, followed by specific dance, Pilates, or strength exercises to engage that muscle in action. It was so rewarding to see students make connections between anatomy and movement.
But there’s more to this course than dance. It’s a week of fun, relaxation, and overall well-being. After each day, we would unwind in the swimming pool, followed by the jacuzzi and sauna—a treat that left my skin clearer than ever and kept muscle soreness at bay. Alongside this indulgence, we enjoyed delicious meals with generous breakfast and dinner buffets. My nutritionist might not have approved of the multiple desserts we enjoyed, but after a full day of dancing, it felt well-deserved. Still, my fondest memories from the week are the countless moments of laughter. There was a sense of ease and joy that encouraged everyone to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
I’ll wrap up this post here. Writing about this week has been a joy, and I hope it inspires you to take time for yourself and dive into an activity you love.
