(1966)  Two-part work:  Essay I - Of the Mind; Essay II - Of the Heart.  Choreography by Maida Withers with six GW dancers.  The works explore the balance and conflict between the impulses "of the mind" and the contrasting interests "of the heart."  Essay I and Essay II reveal Withers interest in the emerging Post-Modern conversation about dance as pure movement invention and dance as an expressive medium. Withers studied with two important modern dance "expressive artists" (Mary Wigman in Berlin, Germany, and Martha Graham, New London, Connecticut). Maida also studied with pioneering dance artist who placed emphasis on  on movement invention (Erick Hawkins, Brigham Young University, other; and Anna Halprin, San Marin, California, Dance Deck.  Withers always felt somewhat independent with her background in tap dance, the daring of dance improvisation, and the development of collaborative process.

Essay I: Of the Mind

Essay Il: Of the Heart

Essay I: Of the Mind