Dance & Choreography
Dance Inspires and Heals:
An Interview with Courtney Ramm,
Founder of the Nonprofit RammDance
March 2021
(Photo Courtesy: RammDance)
About Courtney:
Born and raised in the heart of New York City, Courtney Ramm has followed her passion for dance since childhood. This led to a career as a professional dancer, choreographer, and teacher. She has directed dance schools, has performed in numerous productions, and has taught all over the world, from Singapore to Thailand to Manhattan. She holds a master’s degree in dance education from New York University and a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University.
Courtney has danced professionally in New York City with companies including Dance Visions NY, IsadoraNOW and Dances Patrelle as well as with Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, IONA Contemporary Dance Theater and Onium Ballet Project. Since 2014, Courtney has led wellness retreats in Hawaii, focusing on empowerment and transformation.
Courtney is the founder and artistic director of the nonprofit dance company RammDance. She blends her love of dance with holistic healing and is a certified Pilates instructor, Yoga teacher, Ayurvedic consultant, Theta healer, Master Detox Chef and Reiki practitioner.
In 2020, Courtney published her debut memoir, Eris Rising.
Courtney has danced professionally in New York City with companies including Dance Visions NY, IsadoraNOW and Dances Patrelle as well as with Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, IONA Contemporary Dance Theater and Onium Ballet Project. Since 2014, Courtney has led wellness retreats in Hawaii, focusing on empowerment and transformation.
Courtney is the founder and artistic director of the nonprofit dance company RammDance. She blends her love of dance with holistic healing and is a certified Pilates instructor, Yoga teacher, Ayurvedic consultant, Theta healer, Master Detox Chef and Reiki practitioner.
In 2020, Courtney published her debut memoir, Eris Rising.
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About RammDance: RammDance is a unique modern dance company founded by Courtney Ramm that combines the beauty and discipline of classical ballet with the grace and aesthetic of the Isadora Duncan style of dance. Largely inspired by Nature, RammDance’s performances, workshops and retreats help bring the body, mind, and spirit back into alignment through the power of dance and movement. RammDance became a nonprofit organization in 2016. Instilled in RammDance’s work is a strong sense of spirituality and transformation. When we dance, we are deeply connected to ourselves, and this allows us to have an authentic connection with others. RammDance hosts dance and movement retreats, workshops and performances in Hawaii.
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Myrna Beth Haskell, executive editor, spoke with Courtney about her journey in the world of dance and the inspiration behind founding RammDance.
Courtney Ramm: Performing Isadora Duncan's "Gypsy"
(Photo Courtesy: RammDance) |
How long have you been dancing?
I’ve been dancing my entire life. Ha! I was dancing in my mother’s womb. My mother [Adrienne Ramm, also a dancer] put me on stage right away. I took ballet classes, and I studied ballet and modern dance at Indiana University. Although ballet was my foundation, I developed an appreciation for other styles of dance once I had more exposure. I was particularly drawn to Duncan style choreography. It runs in the family. Besides your mom, your aunt was also a dancer, correct? My mom and aunt were trained by Anna Duncan [one of Isadora Duncan’s adopted daughters]. Isadora Duncan was a pioneer of modern dance. She broke away from traditional ballet. Duncan style dance is a more flowing and spontaneous type of style. What was the inspiration behind founding Ramm Dance? I was a dancer with other companies, fulfilling others’ visions. I thought that I was too young to break out on my own. I felt I needed a bit more experience. I developed a love of choreography, and I really wanted to be in a director’s role. I had a vision of what I needed to do. |
RammDance primarily teaches Duncan style of dance. What do you love about this style?
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I grew up in New York City, and I had a lot of training in ballet at renowned schools, including the School of American Ballet. But I eventually felt that it wasn’t the right fit for me. It was too limiting. It didn’t make me feel like a well-rounded person, so I wanted to branch out. I really started to appreciate Duncan style once I performed it. I love the freedom of this style.
What about your own choreography? How would you describe your style? My own choreography is a blend of my ballet roots and Duncan style of dance. It’s a contradiction to merge these two styles because Isadora Duncan broke away from the restrictions of ballet; but I feel they can complement each other. RammDance offers both workshops and retreats. Are these for non-dancers as well? The workshops are unique in that they are for everyone. You don’t have to be a trained dancer. Dance is in everyone – it’s a universal behavior. Retreats run for three to seven days. We combine Duncan style, ballet and spirituality. *Some of the programs are donation-based. Pre-recorded virtual versions are free of charge. |
RammDance Company
(Photo Credit: Hadley Gustafson) |
What types of educational programs do you have for children?
We have a Free Spirit Dance curriculum which has been heavily researched. It’s for children ages one to five years old. It’s based on the philosophies of Isadora Duncan, Rudolph Steiner and John Dewey. [Philosophies that embrace developing spiritual and creative development, not just intellect.] It’s a holistic program which addresses the needs of every child and is connected to nature and free movement.
Has your nonprofit made any big changes since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic?
When COVID hit, performing arts started to shut down. We were left with two options – do everything virtually or shut down completely and be left behind. I wasn’t feeling as comfortable with the virtual programs. I’m all about the connection with other people. And my choreography is inspired by nature which is best performed ‘live.’
So, I took a break to focus on my book [Eris Rising]. I did one video last April, but I put my energy into writing the book.
We have a Free Spirit Dance curriculum which has been heavily researched. It’s for children ages one to five years old. It’s based on the philosophies of Isadora Duncan, Rudolph Steiner and John Dewey. [Philosophies that embrace developing spiritual and creative development, not just intellect.] It’s a holistic program which addresses the needs of every child and is connected to nature and free movement.
Has your nonprofit made any big changes since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic?
When COVID hit, performing arts started to shut down. We were left with two options – do everything virtually or shut down completely and be left behind. I wasn’t feeling as comfortable with the virtual programs. I’m all about the connection with other people. And my choreography is inspired by nature which is best performed ‘live.’
So, I took a break to focus on my book [Eris Rising]. I did one video last April, but I put my energy into writing the book.
Courtney Ramm
(Photo Courtesy: RammDance) |
Dance is often used as an alternative therapy to encourage healing. In Eris Rising, you share your journey about finding yourself again. Did dance help you to heal after finding the strength to remove yourself from the devastating and dysfunctional relationship you describe in your memoir?
During the intensity of the relationship, I was not dancing. I did teach two times per week (Ramm technique, Pilates and yoga), so I benefited from that. When I moved back in with my parents, my mom encouraged me to look for work. I began teaching at a local ballet school. This teaching role took me out of my own problems because I was focused on my students. The act of giving back and teaching definitely helped me. What piece of advice would you give someone who is struggling with leaving an unhealthy relationship? Your spirit starts to die; it starts to disappear due to the trauma. You go into survival mode. Everyone has it in themselves to shine again and to get out of the denial phase. I used to think things like ‘I need to try harder’ or ‘I can’t ever be fixed.’ That’s not true. What I’ve realized is that you can’t force someone to leave. The person has to be ready on some level themselves. Write in a journal. Go for a walk. Find strength from within. Think about what the relationship is doing to you. |
Where do you find sanctuary?
At the ocean watching the waves…being in the sun. Of course, dancing with nature all around me.
At the ocean watching the waves…being in the sun. Of course, dancing with nature all around me.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Spring Awakening: Dance of Rebirth Sunday, March 21, 2021: 3-4:30 p.m. Golden Lotus Studio, Kapaa Hawaii Suggested Donation: $5-25 Align with your soul & move forward in every area of your life– from your heart with JOY! Divine Feminine Movement Ceremony Saturday, May 8th: 3 p.m. Location: Waimea, Kauai (Exact location given upon RSVP: [email protected]) Suggested Donation: $10-20 In honor of Mother’s Day ~ Oceanfront NEW - Online! Divine Feminine Movement Ceremony Participate from the comfort of your own home with this FREE online workshop. Mother’s Day Weekend: May 8th-9th, 2021. Reserve your spot on the RammDance website. |
Click book cover for an excerpt
from Courtney's memoir. |
