Gymcraftics

Gymcraftics is an interpersonal, kinesthetic art form, grounded in trust.

Gymcraftics relates to events in the Arts, Athletics, Creative Choreography & Motion Sequences.

When I began my first year of teaching the following things happened.

~ Students would go out the window by my desk to be safe in case there was a fire.

~ They would practiced until all 28 could go out in 1.5 minutes.

~ 3 students had to go out first and help all others since there was a 6' drop to ground.

• ~ This led to “Tumbling” in the gym at the local Elementary School Cafeteria.

~ I Remember a student, Terry, diving over pyramid of three onto mats

In the multipurpose room at a K-7 School I asked students what they'd like to share with other students.

This led to: pyramids, monkey rolls, domino lines and balancing.

They liked to move, to experiment, to try “new things”.

My job – keep them safe, make sure all who showed an interest were supported.

They enjoyed showing the “little kids” what they could do.

This led to: pyramids, monkey rolls, domino lines and balancing.

My name is Aida Cornier. I was a freshman at English High School in Boston.

“For me gymcraftics is Physical Art. Gymcraftics is educational. The way it makes your body work and relax is just amazing. When doing gymcraftics you have to try what's next, and what flows. Gymcraftics just lets your mind create, build and think differently because different is good. When doing gymcraftics your mind gets relaxed, it lets you concentrate on what you are doing, and, if you are working in pairs or with a group, every time you try something you gain trust.                                                                  I also played soccer for English HS. I didn't really trust my teammates because some weren't as good as others. So, I wouldn't think they were of any help in the field. I've learned that everybody plays their role and I just have to focus on myself and the ball, like in gymcraftics. It's just me and my partner, and in a group I worry by myself so that I know that everybody knows I'm trying, and, they try and everything comes out beautifully, the results of a good game. Gymcraftics has helped me both physically and mentally. It's helped me physically because I have more balance, know how to use my body better, and, it helps me on the field. It also helps me because it has made me more agile.   And, mentally it has helped me because I've felt better about myself. I'm confident that my body has gotten stronger. I have also found things that my body could do, and there's no better feeling than that. In gymcraftics students are not made to do things. The student finds what they are interested in, their weakness and strength. The teachers help embrace the weakness and they also help you feel confident about your strength. Every student is different for them and they study every one of us and help in every way possible.                                                       As a freshman in high school, I've done more performances than I've done in my whole life. This year we performed in the ESH dance concert “Balance”, the Talent Show, and, we also outreached and made a performance in a local K-8 school. Myself and another student, Anabel, from class are now trying to outreach and have a performance in my old Middle School. We have contacts there. We have also gone with Jeff and Abby to other schools. When we try teaching the students there and showing them things, they just stay in shock. We usually start in a circle explaining what gymcraftics is. Then we ask for volunteers. Usually they volunteer each other and for us that's a “no-no”. “You can only volunteer yourself”. When we make this clear, then we tell them to do something. They aren't sure if they could. By the end of each class everybody wants to try and everybody is working with each other. Still being young and being able to help other kids younger of my age feels good because helping others make me, in myself, feel good.