AUBURN – Dancer/mime Karen Montanaro gave two performances at Auburn Middle School on Oct. 19 in a program coordinated by drama teacher Liz Rollins and supported by L/A Arts.

Montanaro defines and demonstrates mime as “physical eloquence,” relaying stories and information through finely-tuned and articulate gestures, facial expressions and timing.

She also explains and demonstrates mime as a form of “physical magic,” movements that make the audience see things that aren’t there, such as walls, slippery sidewalks, old people, young people, animals.

From climbing an imaginary rope, to becoming a lizard, to more stomach-churning sketches such as apparent dismembering of her fingers and popping them into her mouth to enjoy as a tasty snack (many groans from that one), Montanaro kept students’ attention as she demonstrated her art.

Aside from its entertainment value, there are many benefits to employing mime and dance in a classroom, she said. Imagination and creativity are stimulated, and self-confidence is gained as students perfect their maneuvers. Movement is also another way to “tell a story,” as Montanaro demonstrated with Rollins in a soccer sketch.

“Physical movements and exercises are the best way to cultivate the art of paying attention because the payoff is instant. If they are doing a mime illusion, they see the magic of holding their fists in one place without moving a molecule,” Montanaro said.

She offers workshops and residencies for children and adults of all ages to introduce them to “speaking” without words. Using the vocabulary of mime, dance and improvisation, students experience and express moods, feelings and states-of-mind in new ways. Montanaro teaches workshops at Celebration Barn in South Paris and at her own studio in Casco.