Nearly 20 years ago, AFTA Teaching Artist Nancy Havlik founded the senior improvisational dance group Quicksilver. We sat down with Nancy to discuss the secret to their success.
How was Quicksilver founded, and what was your original mission for the group?
I was very curious about starting an improvisation-based dance class for seniors. At that time Liz Lerman had disbanded her senior company “Dancers of the Third Age”. There were several excellent older adults from that company looking for a place to dance including current Quicksilver members Ruby Chapman and Marge Wydro, as well as Bubbles Blender and Bea Wattenberg. I proposed the idea to AFTA and the rest is history.
How has the mission of Quicksilver changed over the years?
We have increased our work with frail older adults and become more proficient in working with that population, incorporating new techniques like wheelchair duets. The work seemed to evolve naturally out of our strong commitment to interactive dance and music improvisation. When Teaching Artist Anthony Hyatt joined the group we suddenly had improvised live music, which made our classes much more lively and dynamic. Over the years our dancers have become stronger as performers, facilitators and improvisers.
What makes Quicksilver’s outreach so effective?
When Quicksilver delivers a program for frail and vulnerable older adults, there are more opportunities for one-on-one interaction. Quicksilver members add their own talents and skills to the mix so the whole class is elevated to a new level. Quicksilver members are closer in age to some of the participants which promotes empathy and understanding.
Tell us about a recent Quicksilver success story.
Quicksilver did a workshop at Friends Club, a Bethesda, MD day program for men in the early-to-mid stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Each dancer invited a participant to perform a duet, and the men jumped at the chance. Laughter and conversation ensued as the men spontaneously cut loose.
How has Quicksilver enriched your life?
Improvising together over time develops strong bonds and friendships; we have created a tight community. Many of us have had health problems. Our work with frail seniors takes us out of our own heads. Thinking about others helps the volunteer as much as the recipient!
What questions do you have for Nancy? We’ll post her responses in the comments section.
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