C-c Braun is an educator, choreographer, performer and community arts activist, who holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in dance from Arizona State University. From teaching dance in public education to facilitating community arts projects, C-c has enjoyed observing how dance can empower and inspire others towards greater life goals.
C-c is a seasoned choreographer and performer who has performed throughout the United States. Her endeavors have lead to performing in unique places including supermarkets, cafeterias, and art museums. She was a member of D.A.R.T. and FLUX Dance Companies from Phoenix, Arizona.
Ms. Braun’s research in dance education and somatics has helped create a common core dance curriculum for the Tolleson Union High School District and develop dance standards with the National Dance Education Organization. In addition, she presented research about dynamic alignment for dance technicians at a N.D.E.O. conference.
She is a board member for the Cultural Arts Coalition located in Phoenix, Arizona. During her time with C.A.C., she has worked with artists and community members to create meaningful art that invokes communication and a better understanding of the world that we live in.
Teaching Philosophy
Dance has the power to empower. Allowing students to tap into their individual uniqueness to create a dancer who is confident is the ultimate goal. Creating risk takers who are comfortable with stepping into their own skin, leaves room for dance to transcend self and others. My classes focus on giving the student options to experiment, strengthen, and challenge.
The idea of experimentation and play is important to foster creativity. When a student is provided with the tools to create, a world of endless possibility and opportunity is opened. Playing with ideas and allowing time for the student to “digest” and manipulate movement allows for higher-level thinking and cognitive development.
Strengthening students both physically and mentally creates dancers who are powerful performers and technicians. Students will be introduced to components such as oppositional pull, functional rotation, dynamic alignment, and fundamental anatomical positioning. Taking time for safe practices during class is incredibly important for creating lasting dancers who I will see dancing for years to come.
A rigorous class provides students with the opportunity to see what they are capable of in a safe environment. Offering the use of imagery, movement modifications, and critical thinking skills pushes the students to go beyond superficial movement and dig deeper. I love seeing my dancers have moments of realization and understanding of movement theory and creativity.
Community Statement
The purpose of art is to create an external reflection of the internal self. The use of dance and movement in any situation allows for the participant to engage in self-expression and self-reflection. Participating in the arts can collectively bring forth common beliefs and ideals to transform a community into interconnected movers. This connection creates a population who is willing to understand differences and grow into a more informed and open-minded community. My goal is for the dancer to take with them the idea of bringing peace towards themselves and others.
“The use of movement as a healing tool is rooted in the idea that the body and the mind are inseparable. Its basic premise is that body movement reflects inner emotional states and that changes in movement behavior can lead to changes in the psyche, thus promoting health and growth.” By Fran Levy