Meet Marlena: teacher of accessible queer dance
Marlena Fraune (they/she) has been dancing since 2009. They have learned and taught a variety of dances as a leader, follower, and switch dancer. Pursuing additional education, they completed teacher training in 9 dances, and learned additional styles in their travels around the world.
Marlena has won ballroom dance competitions in Colorado, New Mexico, and St Louis.Marlena's flexible teaching style allows them to adapt to the needs and wants of each individual student. This includes making accommodations like: dancing some or all of the dance while seated, supplementing instruction with ASL, and using somatic techniques informed by Alexander Technique, stretches, and strengthening exercises.
I first fell in love with dance for how it connected me with myself. I could express and release emotions when words were not sufficient.
I second fell in love with dance for how it connected me with other individuals and with the community. For me, dance could be a conversation more deep than words allowed.
When I discovered my disability, I thought I had lost all that. But little by little, I learned how to dance regardless of my condition, and I learned to accept myself as I felt on a given day. When I danced within limits that were kind to myself, those limits also sparked further creativity. Now, I have so many more tools, so I can dance no matter what life throws at me.
This is what I want to share with students: connection with and love for: oneself, community, and dance.
Dances I draw from in my lessons include:
