Hebron Academy middle schooler Max Middleton of Hebron performs a soccer skit with Karen Montanaro.

Mime artist mesmerizes Hebron school students

HEBRON – Hebron Academy Middle School took part in a workshop given by internationally known mime artist Karen Montanaro.

Montanaro is a principal dancer with the Portland Ballet Company and has performed with world renowned mime and performance artist, Tony Montanaro. Ms. Montanaro has been awarded the 2008 Individual Artist Fellowship from the Maine Arts Commission.

Montanaro offers school workshops to introduce students to the thrill of “speaking” without words.

Hebron students watched and participated in a two-hour workshop. “I perform this type of combination of mime and dance because it’s compelling to watch, and I am fascinated by what I learn while doing it,” said Montanaro.

She began by reminiscing about her first lesson with Tony Montanaro and her terror when he told her to “do a move.” She asked for volunteers to do a move on stage and only had one reluctant volunteer.

Montanaro said that she was also self-conscious when she realized, through her mime studies, that the only way to be wrong was by not trying.

Students participated much of the time in the interactive workshop. When a student asked Montanaro if she could perform something in mime, she inevitably called that student up to have him/her try it.

She taught the students why they are able to understand exactly what is happening while watching mime even though there are no words or sound by the suggestions of her movements. Montanaro also performed several of her choreographed pieces.

Middle School Director Paul Brouwer said, “Ms. Montanaro had our students on the edge of their seats right from the start. She kept the kids engaged with a unique combination of humor, thoughtfulness and amazing physical prowess.” He went on to say, “these kids will be practicing the techniques and moves that she taught them for a long time.”

For more information about the middle school, visit www.hebronacademy.org. For more information about Montanaro, visit www.mimedance.com.