My object was a ruler because it was the nearest object in my grasp. It is an object that helps to measure and draw straight lines. It reminds me of the school room as a child trying to draw straight lines which in my memory were never straight and always accompanied by an ink blob from the dip in pen which was scratchy and uneven. The boys used them to poke and prod , enjoyed pretend sword fights, and flicked rolled up bits of paper to gain attention from their friends. The ruler was also used by the strict teacher as a punishment for naughty boys , whacking their legs . I am sure this would not be allowed or tolerated today. In our class on Wednesday, I used my ruler to beat time with the music , waving it like a wand through space, whirling and throwing and catching it. The joy of moving it, swift then slow according to the rhythm of the music. Playing like a child again lifting and turning , waving, and swaying until still at the end.

(C) Danielle Jones (Teale) Dance, Collective IDentity, written by Elizabeth Court