Barbara Mettler 1907-2002

Barbara Mettler’s work has been a continuous search for the basic elements of dance which can make it immediately available to all people as a creative art activity.

Believing that dance is a basic human need and that dance-- the art of body movement-- is the primary, central art, she explored new approaches to both the body as instrument and movement as the material of dance.

For sixty years Mettler directed Mettler Studios, which in 1963 found a permanent home at the Tucson Creative Dance Center. Through her studio, Mettler offered on-going classes and intensive courses each year. She taught thousands of people of all ages from kindergarten to elderly, including people with special needs. Her intensive summer- long course attracted large groups of students, many of whom went on to teach creative dance in their own communities or integrate her principles into their professional lives. Her way of work emphasized individual and group improvisation as a means of liberating and cultivating the natural creative movement resources which are in everyone. Mettler’s pioneering research, exploration and practice of large group dance improvisation is recognized as a ground-breaking, unique contribution to contemporary dance.