Moving and Meditating Through Writer's Block

Learn proven techniques to help work through blockages, stress, and overwhelm. The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow (WCDH) is pleased to offer “Moving and Meditating Through Writer’s Block,” a workshop by Olga El. Participants will learn a variety of proven techniques that can help work through issues preventing optimal creativity, so that they may incorporate the techniques that work for them into their personal writing practice. The workshop will be Wednesday, August 3, 5:15 – 6:30 pm, at the Eureka Springs UU Church, 17 Elk Street. The class fee is $20 per person. All proceeds benefit the WCDH scholarship fund. 

This workshop is appropriate for writers of all levels of experience from complete novice to published author. Over the course of the workshop, participants will oscillate between writing and various meditative, creative movement, breathing, and tapping techniques. Participants are encouraged to bring their own writing projects but writing prompts will also be available. Attendees should bring water and their preferred writing medium.

Olga El is an award-winning, emerging playwright who aims to educate and engage audiences in ways that inspire change that will ultimately lead to a more just, compassionate, and healthy society. Movement; particularly martial arts; aerial arts; and dances from North Africa, West Africa, and the Diaspora; are seamlessly interwoven into her work.    In 2011 El founded The Kandake Dance Theatre for Social Change after years of experimenting with similar projects. Through the dance-theatre she creates free and low-cost community initiatives, street art, full-length theatrical works, and other shows that are immersive, accessible, and unique. She's had the opportunity to offer arts programming to marginalized populations including women who were formerly incarcerated and the children of sex workers from Mumbai.  In 2020 she initiated free virtual services such as dance classes, support groups, mini grants, anti-racist resources, protest safety tips, fundraiser performances, community and movement-building donations, COVID-era artist features in Broadway World, and other projects, some of which continue to this day. Learn more about her work at www.TheKandake.com.

The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to nurture writers of all genres, backgrounds, and levels of experience in a supportive environment that builds community, energizes creative expression, stimulates new thinking, and optimizes productivity. The WCDH scholarship fund was established to provide financial aid to writers who would not otherwise be able to take advantage of a writing residency, support emerging writers, and amplify marginalized voices. Since it was established in December 2019, over $20,500 in scholarships have been awarded to 47 writers to further subsidize 378 residency nights. For more information or to contribute to the WCDH scholarship fund, please visit www.writerscolony.org or call (479)253-7444.