Boston Children’s Foundation
About:
The Boston Children’s Foundation (BCF) is committed to ending the trauma that perpetuates a culture of fear, maladaptation and violence by turning youth’s natural energy towards healing activities, social empathy and positive relationships.
Drawing on its founders’ decades of research, field application, and successful intervention in trauma psychology, BCF enters into partnerships with key allies locally and internationally to deliver active healing experiences for a child’s wholeness and a community’s health.
Dicki Johnson Macy began designing Rainbowdance®in 1988. A primary goal was to create an inclusive group experience for all children. Healthy relationship building became the end product of this structured and joyful collection of vocal and movement activities. Toddler Rainbowdance® places focus upon the primary attachment relationship between the child and a caregiver.gs.
Ashlyn O’Dowd received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Dance/Movement Therapy from Lesley University in 2021. During her graduate studies, she interned with Boston Children’s Foundation and trained under the founder and director of Rainbowdance®, Dicki Johnson Macy. Following her internship, Ashlyn joined the BCF team as a consulting clinician. Throughout her time with BCF, she has led Rainbowdance® groups in the Boston area, and supported the transition to virtual interventions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rachel has been immersed in the Duncan genre since 2015. Under the mentorship of Dicki, she is a certified teacher in DJM’s Isadora Duncan Children’s Pedagogy, a member of the Guardians of Isadora performance troupe, & Assistant Director of BCF. Both teachers are board-certified Dance/Movement Therapists & Licensed Mental Health Counselors.
Tuesday 10:30a - Rainbowdance Toddler/Caregiver Class
Rainbowdance Toddler/Caregiver Class with Dicki Johnson Macy
Tuesday 10:30-11:30a
Studio 7
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What is the legacy of the genre/form/style you are teaching? Dicki Johnson Macy began designing Rainbowdance®in 1988. A primary goal was to create an inclusive group experience for all children. Healthy relationship building became the end product of this structured and joyful collection of vocal and movement activities. Toddler Rainbowdance® places focus upon the primary attachment relationship between the child and a caregiver. |
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What can students expect from this class? Primary Rainbowdance® is offered to children aged 1.5- 3 years and a caregiver. A structured sequence of sound and gesture integrated movement activities encourage secure attachment to the caregiver and to the peer group, while providing a soothing and energizing first experience with peers. Through the language of the body, children learn to discern safe and positive facial cues and physical territory exploring music, soft props and story. Dancers with special needs are always welcome. We will work with you to find the right class placement and offer 1:1 sessions when appropriate. |
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How can students learn more? Instagram: @bcf_rainbowdance Website: https://www.bostoncf.org/rainbowdance/about-rainbowdance/ |
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Registration: Please register with Boston Children’s Foundation. Class sizes are limited and filled upon receipt of tuition. If classes are at capacity upon registration, you will be placed on a waitlist: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KGbRmlXh-3gZQjIr-5AtfhFcBKtxqXT9/view?usp=sharing |
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Cost of Class
$225 for 15 classes; $210 sibling rate |
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Contact Information
Rachel: bostoncinfo@gmail.com
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Tuesday 4:00p - The Art & Technique of Isadora Duncan for 8-11 Year Olds
The Art & Technique of Isadora Duncan for 8-11 Year Olds with Dicki Johnson Macy & Rachel Aylsworth
Tuesday 4:00-5:00p
Studio 3
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What is the legacy of the genre/form/style you are teaching? The Art & Technique of Isadora Duncan offers celebratory explorations of relationship to classical music, peers, ancestral community & nature. Duncan, “Mother of Modern Dance,” sought movements expressive of the human spirit; her technique glorifies natural movement, sources rhythmic & emotional links fundamental to all life & traces dance to its sacred roots using mythological archetypes & ritual. Dicki has for 30+yrs encourage responsiveness to beautiful music & joyful movements inspired by nature in non-competitive environments for healthy emotional, creative & physical development. |
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What can students expect from this class? Rainbowdance® prepares children aged 5-18 for this program. Having an established sense of harmony & affiliation to each other & to the natural world, they move forward to explore their unique & collective beauty & expression. Children explore emotional intention, manifested through music & movement. Themes include: Leadership & Following, Join & Retreat, Transition, Alone & together, Nature as Teacher, Myth Based Dances & Improv. Dancers with special needs are always welcome. We will work with you to find the right class & offer 1:1 sessions when appropriate. |
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How can students learn more? Instagram: @bcf_rainbowdance |
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Registration: Please register with Boston Children’s Foundation. Class sizes are limited and filled upon receipt of tuition. If classes are at capacity upon registration, you will be placed on a waitlist: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KGbRmlXh-3gZQjIr-5AtfhFcBKtxqXT9/view?usp=sharing |
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Cost of Class
$225 for 15 classes; $210 sibling rate |
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Contact Information
Rachel: bostoncinfo@gmail.com |
Tuesday 4:00p - The Art & Technique of Isadora Duncan for 5-7 Year Olds
The Art & Technique of Isadora Duncan for 5-7 Year Olds with Dicki Johnson Macy & Rachel Aylsworth
Tuesday 4:00-5:00p
Studio 2
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What is the legacy of the genre/form/style you are teaching? The Art & Technique of Isadora Duncan offers celebratory explorations of relationship to classical music, peers, ancestral community & nature. Duncan, “Mother of Modern Dance,” sought movements expressive of the human spirit; her technique glorifies natural movement, sources rhythmic & emotional links fundamental to all life & traces dance to its sacred roots using mythological archetypes & ritual. Dicki has for 30+yrs encourage responsiveness to beautiful music & joyful movements inspired by nature in non-competitive environments for healthy emotional, creative & physical development. |
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What can students expect from this class? Rainbowdance® prepares children aged 5-18 for this program. Having an established sense of harmony & affiliation to each other & to the natural world, they move forward to explore their unique & collective beauty & expression. Children explore emotional intention, manifested through music & movement. Themes include: Leadership & Following, Join & Retreat, Transition, Alone & together, Nature as Teacher, Myth Based Dances & Improv. Dancers with special needs are always welcome. We will work with you to find the right class & offer 1:1 sessions when appropriate. |
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How can students learn more? Instagram: @bcf_rainbowdance |
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Registration: Please register with Boston Children’s Foundation. Class sizes are limited and filled upon receipt of tuition. If classes are at capacity upon registration, you will be placed on a waitlist: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KGbRmlXh-3gZQjIr-5AtfhFcBKtxqXT9/view?usp=sharing |
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Cost of Class $225 for 15 classes; $210 sibling rate |
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Contact Information Rachel: bostoncinfo@gmail.com |
Tuesday 5:30p - The Art & Technique of Isadora Duncan for Teens/Adult Beginners
The Art & Technique of Isadora Duncan for Teens/Adult Beginners with Dicki Johnson Macy
Tuesday 5:30-6:30p
Studio 3
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What is the legacy of the genre/form/style you are teaching? Dicki Johnson Macy, has for the past 30 years encouraged students trained in this technique to remain responsive beautiful music and to the joyful movements inspired by nature. Self-esteem, grace, reverence, reciprocity and artistry are inherent to the work. A sense of rhythm and harmony develops as students dance the reconstructed choreographies to the music of Schubert, Chopin, Brahms, Beethoven, and Mozart. |
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What can students expect from this class? This program offers celebratory explorations of relationship to: classical music; peers; the ancestral community; and the natural world. The “Mother of Modern Dance,” Duncan sought movements expressive of the human spirit; her technique: 1)glorifies natural movement; 2)sources rhythmic and emotional links fundamental to all life forms; and 3)traces dance to its sacred roots using mythological archetypes and ritual. Duncan Dance classes for teens (age 12+) and adults, offer a non-competitive environment designed to encourage and sustain healthy emotional, creative, and physical relationships. |
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How can students learn more? Instagram: @bcf_rainbowdance |
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Registration: Please register with Boston Children’s Foundation. Class sizes are limited and filled upon receipt of tuition. If classes are at capacity upon registration, you will be placed on a waitlist: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KGbRmlXh-3gZQjIr-5AtfhFcBKtxqXT9/view?usp=sharing |
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Cost of Class $225 for 15 classes; $210 sibling rate |
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Contact Information Rachel: bostoncinfo@gmail.com |
Wednesday 4:00p - Rainbowdance Preschool Class
Rainbowdance Preschool Class with Ashlyn O’Dowd
Wednesday 4:00-5:00p
Studio 2
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What is the legacy of the genre/form/style you are teaching? Rainbowdance® Preschool is the developmental sequel for children aged 3-5 years. The focus in the program is upon exploring the many dynamics of peer relationships. Children dance the sequences of the Primary Rainbowdance® program but are challenged toward competency as they embody stories whose themes are appropriate to healthy social development. Focus is placed upon reciprocity and the place of the child in the natural world. |
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What can students expect from this class? Rainbowdance® Preschool is the developmental sequel for children aged 3-5 years. The focus in the program is upon exploring the many dynamics of peer relationships. Children dance the sequences of the Primary program but are challenged toward competency as they embody stories whose themes are appropriate to healthy social development. Focus is placed upon reciprocity and the place of the child in the natural world. Dancers with special needs are always welcome. We will work with you to find the right class placement and offer 1:1 sessions when appropriate. |
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Finish this statement: I am passionate about teaching this style because…
…I strongly believe in the arts’ ability to empower youth and build their connections with their peers and communities. |
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How can students learn more?
Instagram: @bcf_rainbowdance Website: https://www.bostoncf.org/rainbowdance/about-rainbowdance/ |
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Registration: Please register with Boston Children’s Foundation. Class sizes are limited and filled upon receipt of tuition. If classes are at capacity upon registration, you will be placed on a waitlist. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KGbRmlXh-3gZQjIr-5AtfhFcBKtxqXT9/view?usp=sharing |
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Cost of Class
$225 for 15 classes; $210 sibling rate |
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Contact Information
Rachel: bostoncinfo@gmail.com
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