Meet Deborah Rosen | Choreographer, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist / Trauma, and Somatics Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deborah Rosen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deborah, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work life balance can be taxing. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to listen to my body. Our bodies do so much for us. From the basics of digestion and release, to the complicated of how our nerves, organs, and overall body functions. In listening to my body, I am reminded, not only to try my best to take care of it, but, also, to assess what is healthy for me. Both mind and body. For example, learning how to navigate between my work, my art, friends, family, and personal time. And, be honest with myself and others, in my capacity of what I have to offer. I love to work. And, I love my art. I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Somatics student, working with parolees. And, I am a choreographer and producer. I am fortunate do be able to live this way. But, at times, when asked to do more; I use to always say yes. But, for quite sometime now, I have been able to courageously say no. I have a full schedule. And, all these parts of me are very important. I aim to be mindful of what I have to offer, in striving for the attributes that foster my work.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Dance has always been a huge part of my life. And, as a dancer, choreographer, and producer, dance continues to guide, support, and teach me. Choreography is challenging. Yet, within the process, the discovery and learning reveal themselves when creating a piece. For example, movements are inspired by the theme, the music, and the energy of the dancers. It can be like a puzzle. And, the process of putting the puzzle together, is part of the challenge and learning. One of my first productions, Reflections, was inspired by the passing of my father. This was a very difficult time. The deeply felt emotion, within the movements, the sections, the text, the singing, provided a safety net and embrace for dealing with this great loss. Creating this piece was very healing for me, and helped encourage me to continue pursuing choreographic projects. As mentioned earlier, choreography has been challenging for me. And, many a times, I find myself feeling awkward, and doubtful. But, I persist. It can be hard to put yourself out there, opening yourself up to be seen. But, then I ask myself, how will you progress. So, I do some research, invest in the process, put in the time, and put in the work.  In my choreographic approach, I create some movement and teach it to the dancers. However, this is just a seed. Because from there, I encourage the dancers to really, invest themselves in the movement. Does the movement change in anyway. How are they connecting the theme to the movement phrases. How do they feel inside.
Together, the dancers and I work on this, in the effort to truly open ourselves up to the possibilities. In the process, I also, provide as much imagery as possible. And, challenge them, while also nurturing them. We end up guiding each other, to see where the movement will lead to. How it is staged. What cues and connections help piece it together. My dances usually have four to six sections. They are like chapters of a book.
Another piece I am proud and excited about is titled, Tashlich. This piece was inspired by the Jewish ceremony, Tashlich, in which you symbolically cast off the sins of the previous year by tossing pebbles or bread crumbs into flowing water, on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. My family wasn’t very religious. And, we celebrated the major Jewish Holidays. But, I wasn’t taught about a lot of the rituals within each holiday. When I learned about Tashlich. I was extremely moved. The idea of letting go of my worries, failures, discomforts, and having a fresh start was very profound for me. Another holiday, Selichot, which occurs prior to Rosh Hashanah, reflects on forgiveness. And,the period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Teshuva, which means return, encourages us to turn back to something we may have strayed or looked away from. The poems, prayers, and intentions of Selichot, Tashlich, and Teshuva, guided me in creating this piece. A reminder that life is a continuously learning journey.
Presently I am working on a new piece, titled, Pollen. It is inspired by climate change. And, I am presenting a works-in-progress performance of this piece, on Friday, November 11, and Saturday, November 12, 8 pm, at ARC Space, Pasadena. I hope you will join us. There will also be solo performances by Alicia Mosley and Robbie Shaw. As well as a dance film by Aaron Wilson.
Dance has had a huge impact on my life. Which, I am sure, is why, as a Marriage and Family Therapist and Somatics, student, it carries so much meaning.  Movement is a huge part of my work with clients. I believe it helps me listen and hold space with them.  I aim to provide a safe space, not only to verbally share their story.  But, also, through their senses, and their body, to really feel and work through their challenges, in some way.  Sometimes, part of the process, may be through body scan meditations.  Sometimes, it is taking a body shape that represents them at a certain age.  There are endless possibilities.  And, I will forever be grateful for my body, and love of dance and movement.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite places to take someone visiting me in Los Angeles / Pasadena, would be Descanso Gardens, the Huntington Library, REDCAT, and Dorothy Chandler Pavillion. I would look for any dance performances happening at their time of visit, and share my love of dance, art, and nature. We would most likely start at one of my favorite restaurants, which include Chifa or Little Beast, both in Eagle Rock. Though they are so many wonderful restaurants. If it were a day outing, we would probably go on a hike somewhere in the San Gabriel Mountains.. And, go shopping to all the amazing boutiques / gift shops in Pasadena and Eagle Rock. Such as Homage, Elisa B’s, Rue de Mimo, Marz, Dotter, Haley Solar, and Tuck. Brunch is also fun, and I would definitely treat them to one of the following: Gloria’s Cuisine, Penny Oven, Kitchen Mouse, or Lemon Poppy Kitchen. Also, the amazing Southern California beaches. A day at the beach can be so very therapeutic.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My father, Alvin Rosen, is at the top of this list. He always encouraged me to work hard, ask questions, and try new things. Thanks to him, I stick to the motto, “It never hurts to ask. The answer may not be what you’d like, but then you know, and you move on.” Another person whom has been one of my greatest supporters is my husband, Jerry Mundy. He challenges me, and inspires me to think and take action beyond my comfort. I am also surrounded by wonderful friends, who are supportive and loving. I am very fortunate. These are friends from various aspects of my life. A few from college, a few that I use to work with, and some from the dance community. These friends, have motivated me, and have shown me care and love. And, are genuine human beings. I also am inspired by my five year old, Noah. He keeps it real. And, I have learned so much in watching him, and being his mother.

Linkedin: Deborah Rosen

Facebook: Deborah Rosen and Dancers

Image Credits
Debrah Lemattre