We’ve received a flood of messages from alums, current students, faculty and staff celebrating Jane Shockley, who is retiring this spring from her position as Senior Lecturer in the Dept. of Theater + Dance after 27 years of invaluable service to the Carleton Community. We share here a sampling of the messages we received. They are truly a testament to all that Jane has contributed to Carleton. THANK YOU, Jane!
- Jane! Friend and Colleague! It is hard to imagine Dance at Carleton without you. As Mary Easter once said you are “the backbone of the program.” Truly! It has been an honor to work with you, a genius at teaching and directing rehearsal. Every piece turns to gold under your sure hand. I will miss your generosity, humor, art, guidance, camaraderie and “places pleeeease.” I will miss you! Here is an edited excerpt of your piece “Bow” from 2011 as a goodbye (allusions to your “Bow” to Mary Easter). This is not goodbye, my friend. To new neural pathways! With love, Judith Howard
- As a former professional dancer with most of my performing career behind me, I often reflect on those who have shaped my artistic process, awareness, focus, and discipline as a performer. Jane’s warmth, support, attention to detail, articulation, and playfulness from my time at Carleton has been immensely influential in how I process my current creative output. I wish for Jane to move forward with her journey with grace, and knowing that many dancers owe her a debt of gratitude that can only be repaid by spreading goodness into the world. -Phil Chan, former student
- This is a photo of us serenading Jane on her birthday at one of the last Semaphore rehearsals of the year in spring 2018. The last (in person) Semaphore piece I danced in was choreographed by Jane. When I re-watched it recently, it made me so emotional. First, because it was a beautiful and evocative piece (especially in retrospect, knowing that it would be the last piece we danced in as a group on stage) and working with a choreographer and dancer of her caliber was an amazing experience. But it also reminded me of the strong sense of community and support that Semaphore had while I was there, and how much Jane was responsible for that. We all knew that she had our backs (sometimes literally as well as metaphorically!) and made Semaphore a welcoming and safe space for everyone. The same way that we supported each other in that piece, she supported us in class and rehearsal every day. She helped us grow as dancers, as people, and as community members. I am so grateful I got to learn from her and have her as a role model. I hope she finds joy and excitement in her next adventure, and I wish her all the best! -Kyra Wilson, former student
- A video message from Megan Reynolds, former student
- Thank you for all that you’ve done, all that you do, and that will be done! -Lizbett Benge, Robert A. Oden Jr. Postdoctorate Fellow for Innovation in the Humanities
- A video message from Sara Klugman and Winnie Zwick. Jane, happy retirement! We absolutely adore you. You have opened so much joy, pleasure, and vitality for us, and all of your students. We are wishing you a beautiful transition to this next chapter. With gratitude and love, Sara Klugman and Winnie Zwick, former students
- Jane had a huge impact on me. I admit to feeling disillusioned, burned out, and downright grumpy when I first stepped into Moving Anatomy, and Jane saw it and took me as I was and helped me move (an unavoidable pun) through it. And for that I am eternally grateful. Jane made me feel like a human being because she treated me like a human being. If any of us students were sick or tired from other classes, Jane didn’t force a false enthusiasm, she didn’t act like nothing was going on, she simply said, “let’s start on the floor.” And somehow, inevitably, we’d end up leaping around the room, grinning ourselves silly and feeling renewed. That’s magic. In many ways, the classes I took with Jane taught me how to feel free in my body, to work with my body, to be playful and joyful in my body. I never really got to say all of that to Jane, but I always meant to say it. Truthfully, I have intended to reach out and say how much her teaching meant to me, but I never did. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to gush about how much love I have for Jane and how much appreciation I have for her teaching. Thank you so much, Jane. Thank you for helping me “dance so as not to be dead.” – Connor Rohwer, former student
- Thank you for everything Jane, and happy retirement! I gained so much from your classes and from dancing with Semaphore; learning how to more deliberately move my body was a crucial step on my path to becoming a professor and researcher who studies figure movement on screen. One of my favorite memories is of us begging you one beautiful day to let us take technique class outside. You agreed, declared it gymnastics day, and had us do paired cartwheels with continuous eye contact on the soft grass, which was exhilarating and terrifying. We loved it but also never asked to have class outside again! I still think about Moving Anatomy and Contact Improv frequently and wish I could still be taking class with you every week. I carry your wisdom in my bones, and for that I will be ever grateful. xoxoxo Jenny Oyallon-Koloski, former student. Program cover of the Spring Dance Concert ’08.
- Jane’s contact improvisation class changed my life. Although I don’t participate in any dance currently, I remind myself of lessons learned in her class every week of my life. I thank Jane so much for her instruction and guidance and wish her all the best moving forward. – Will Biagi, former student
- Jane! I somewhat accidentally ended up taking contact improv at Carleton my freshman fall, and it was one of my favorite courses! I remember you frequently using me as a demonstration partner due to my slight discomfort as a new student in a very new type of class for me, and I am so happy you did. I learned an important lesson from you that influenced the rest of my Carleton experience and beyond: don’t take everything so seriously. Any time anyone in the class got frustrated or in their head, you would remind everyone to laugh and enjoy. We were dancing and rolling around on top of each other after all! This approach to learning while allowing yourself to be silly helped define my time at Carleton and now my time as a working adult. I continue to try to live in the moment and not take anything too seriously. I hope you continue to dance! You were such a wonderful teacher to a new, young student. Best wishes, Izaak Sunleaf, former student
- Dear Jane, Who knew that Contact Improv would be the class that most influenced this French major’s life and future career? I loved it so much, I took it twice. Little did I know then how thoroughly the Feldenkrais-inspired proprioception work we did in class would inform my daily life. And the thinking/feeling about how our hips make a figure 8 as we walk, if our bodies are free and unencumbered. And the practice connecting with another human in such flow. I think of these things often, and give thanks that my path intersected with yours. Your wisdom and instruction have been such a gift in my life. I imagine all the scores of students you have mentored and supported over the years, the broad impact of your pebble, rippling outward in the world. It makes my grateful heart happy. My life is richer for having been in class with you. Thank you. So much. I wish you all the best. -Sarah (Kleb) Collyer ’99
- Dear Jane, Congratulations on your retirement!! Since I was mainly trained in ballet before coming to Carleton, you have truly opened my eyes to modern when I first took your Modern III class. I always looked forward to your classes right before Sempahore rehearsal and your teaching and co-directing Sempahore made me feel right at home. I also remember having so much fun in the great classes you taught at Zenon during the summer. You allowed all of us to come together as dancers and made my time at Carleton incredibly memorable. I feel so honored to have been trained by you. Thank you so much! Sending lots of love, Tomoka Nakamura, former student Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4
- I only took one class from Jane when I was at Carleton, but it had a profound impact on the course of my life personally and professionally. My Senior year I took my first dance class at Carleton, Jane’s Moving Anatomy Course. In that class I not only learned creative ways to connect with and honor my body, I also discovered that I was profoundly interested in the structure and anatomy of the musculoskeletal system. This course stayed with me for years as I trained as an actor and a physical therapist. I credit Jane’s creative and experiential approach to learning to inhabit one’s body as a foundational moment in my training where I learned to span the space between creative expression and physiological inquiry. This is work I carry with me every day as an artist and a healer. Thank you Jane for lighting the spark and starting me on this path. -Catherine Justice, former student
- The one class I managed to take with you was Contact Improv, and I’m so glad I did. It was an entirely new way of dancing for me and you made it fun and comfortable. Your energy was always contagious. -Felicity Carroll, former student
- Jane Shockley is my absolute dancer crush- so smart and witty and fully embodied in her teaching and movement. It is because of Jane’s keen eye that my choreography both at Carleton and for my company, ARENA DANCES, with Jane as the rehearsal director that the dancers were able to fully understand and embody the how behind the movement. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Jane, I love you and CONGRATULATIONS on your retirement. – Matthew Janczewski, friend, colleague, student, dancer, rehearsal director
- Hi Jane! I don’t think that this message will do justice to my appreciation for you, but I need to express how lucky I am to have learned all I have from you. The way in which you taught me how to be a body added a whole nother dimension to life, one which I’m still excitedly exploring all the time in my life and in my art. There is so much pleasure and fun and power to be had through all the tools and techniques that you explored in your classes, and I am inspired by them and the way you teach them in huge ways. I was sort of an uncomfortable floating bundle for a long time and the couple years I spent with you smacked me onto the ground, and now i’m rolling and running around in the forrest with a pack of other of your acolytes. Thank you so much!! – Brin Gordon, former student
- Thank you so much for being my teacher and putting up with me for 3 classes! I will never forget contact improvisation and hope it will live on here. You’ve made a lasting impact on both the way I think about dance, and my hamstring flexibility. I wish you all the best, Jack Brown, former student
- On the one hand, I can’t imagine Carleton Dance without you, Jane. I can’t count how many new and seasoned dancers I know who credit you as the person who opened their eyes to what dance could be. Your deep respect for the body, it’s physiology and artistry, influenced my academic work as (of all things) a history major, and it is a touchstone I return to every day. Your ability to read the studio, and your willingness to take a day out of your syllabus for bodywork, made all the difference to a room of exhausted and strung out college students. (Now comes the other hand) I wish for your retirement, and our thoughts and well wishes, to be as rejuvenating because you more than earned it. You are brilliant and compassionate, graceful in your expression of both, and I will miss you. Best and warmest wishes, Lydia Symchych, student
- Jane was my introduction to weighted modern dance, to the belief that my Ballet-imperfect body could be perfect fit for a different kind of movement, and that I had the capacity to connect my different selves on a somatic level which brought so much peace, creativity, and joy to my life. Favorite piece of Jane choreography ever performed was a duet with Alexis Burke which I believe was titled “Mother May I.” Touch, connect, question. Permission to be safe in my body, and to care for others from that place of self-care have been guiding principles of my life ever since first studying with the amazing Jane Shockley. Also…leather pants on opening nights…just saying… -Carrie Munson Goodnight, student 1997-2001, Semaphore member all four years.
- Dear Jane, Thank you so much for your invaluable teaching and mentorship! You were so inspiring and I learned so much from you. I owe so much of my development as a dancer to you. Your passion is contagious. I never would have performed with professional dance companies if it weren’t for your instruction and encouragement. Enjoy retirement! You deserve it! Love, Jodi Collova, former student
- Jane! We didn’t have a super established relationship while I was a student, but your contact improvisation class began to bring me into my body in a way I didn’t understand at the time. A broader journey of somatic healing has been one result of that process, and I’m super grateful for the investigations of the healing power of touch that happened in that class. Thanks for changing my life. With love, Christopher Densmore, class of 2013
- I had never considered myself a dancer but senior year found that I lacked the required “arts practice” credits, so decided to take a leap (literally) and registered for a modern dance class. I ended up taking a dance class every term my senior year because I found it so freeing and enjoyable. That spring (2014), when a car accident lost us three fellow students, these classes became a meaningful way to express grief with classmates without having to share words. I will never forget one particular “flocking” movement activity we did as a collective group. Thank you, Jane, for your commitment and care that you brought to Carleton students throughout your career. –Phoebe Chastain, former student
- I took contemporary dance with Jane. Although it was during COVID time with classes on zoom, I loved the class and continued dancing! To Jane: Thanks so much for your help, and I hope retirement goes well! -Cathy, student
- Your contact improv course was so fun, and it was really empowering for me, possibly the smallest person in the class, to be able to lift everyone else! You were always so cheerful and funny and I hope you have a great time in retirement. -Claire Milsted, former student
- Movement for the Performer and Moving Anatomy were two of my favorite classes I took at Carleton. After a trauma, she was flexible and so supportive. She got me back in touch with my body. It was therapeutic and a highlight of the semester. I hope the best for her!! And THANK YOU!!! -Julie Leghorn, former student
- Congratulations on this milestone, Jane! Contact Improv and Moving Anatomy and Winter Dance (I think – that or Spring) were some of my favorite classes at Carleton. They influenced me well beyond the classroom. For example, I continued to plug into Contact Improv spaces for a number of years after graduating, and have taken many of those ideas and movements with me for years. I’m grateful for the great memories from those classes, and all I learned from you! All the best to you as you dance your way into life’s next chapter! -Jeremy Lambshead, former student
- Jane was such a healing force throughout my time at Carleton. Through the years since leaving college, I have realized how incredibly grounding, healing, and important Jane’s teaching and presence were to my college years. I took a dance/movement class with Jane almost every trimester of college- and thank goodness for it! Jane taught me about my body, about movement, about space, about slowing down, grounding down, becoming present and becoming myself. I am currently in a social work graduate program, and I am constantly re-learning how important somatic work is. Every time I learn about this now, I think about Jane and her classes! I didn’t realize it at the time, but the somatic work that Jane led me through in college was therapeutic and life-giving. A piece of me feels that that time with her in the studio was deeply instrumental in surviving some very difficult life experiences. Jane’s classes and her energy provided me with a space and a container to hold the feelings of a very intense period of life. I am so grateful for all the time that I got to spend with Jane at Carleton. She is a remarkable human being. Love, Sonja Dangler, former student and Semaphore dancer
- I was a very skeptical, I dare say, reluctant, student in 2004 taking a dance class just to fulfill requirements. Jane was patient and tolerant of my trepidation. She ended up teaching me things about movement that enhanced my skill and imagination as an stage actor in college and have continued to improve my mental and physical well being lo these 15 years later. Thank you, Jane! -Andrew Knoll, former student
- You taught me to settle into my body during contact improv. I was so grateful for your honest and careful instruction. Congratulations on your retirement! -Ashley Shaw Adams, former student
- Jane, thank you for your wonderful contribution to Carleton’s dance community. I so fondly remember Contact Improvisation as a chance to be fully embodied and human during a time in which I was living so much in my head. The experience encouraged me to begin lifelong embodied practice through yoga and other somatic techniques. You were a joy to study with, and wishing you all the best as you move on to the next phase of your life. -Laura Stratford, former student
- I will never be able to thank you enough for giving me the confidence to explore movement. My relationship with my body has improved tremendously thanks to dance and you are a large part of that. -Ethan Somes, student
- Thank you Jane! Taking your classes renewed a deep love of dance and movement that are still a part of my life. Thank you for helping me rediscover something I thought had been lost. -Rachel Pedersen, former student
- Jane — We did not know each other well or for long, but I took Contact Improv with you in 2010 and it was the first time I felt like I was thinking with my body in addition to my brain. Thank you for teaching me to be connected to myself. -Katie Powell, former student
- I really appreciate all your encouragement for us and me especially to feel our body, and really learn to appreciate the natural mechanism of your body movement. I’m now more bold in experiencing my own feelings and relax the body in a moving meditation form. That’s how Jane has influenced me during the interaction of online dancing class for only a term. Thank you so much, Jane! Hope you have a wonderful life ahead! -Wenlai Han, student
- Dear Jane, Thank you so much for your wonderful teaching, mentorship, and guidance for the Carleton dance community! You will be missed by so many of us! Best, Charlotte Liu, former student
- Dear Jane, I took your course “Moving Anatomy” the first or second time it was offered at Carleton. Your course profoundly reoriented my sense of dance, of my body, of bodies in general, and of teaching excellence. I can still remember your voice as we 20 or so students lay on the floor in some basement classroom inching one leg across our bodies as we learned how to roll. I am a teacher now myself (different field) but I still think of your course when designing immersive learning activities for my students. I also still keep dance in my life, both by taking classes and by watching modern and contemporary dance performances. Thanks for making such a big impact during the formative years. Wishing you a wonderful retirement! Best, Sarah Wolfson ’99 (English)
- Like many other very young adults, I had some serious issues accepting my body during college. Taking Jane’s classes on Moving Anatomy and Contact Improv were among the most grounding, beneficial, even therapeutic experiences I had in college. I still benefit from the kinesthetic, proprioception-enhancing learning I experienced in those classes. Thank you! -Anonymous, former student
- Jane, I am so grateful for your guidance both inside and outside the classroom. You singlehandedly taught me how to dance with the floor, how to melt and slough. I know that my movement really matured under your instruction. I am grateful for the time you offered us in Semaphore, the stories you told, and the way you lifted our spirits during long rehearsals and tech-weeks. There will never be a warmup like a “Jane warmup,” (complete with ABBA) and I know your warmup structure and energy have spread and are used in many student orgs including EDB. I will always be grateful to have been in your last pre-pandemic contact improv class and to have taken your classes during the pandemic! Your impact on my time at Carleton and on my experience as a dancer is beyond words, and I know you will be dearly missed at Carleton! I can’t wait to hear what comes next for you, and I hope it includes many walks along lake superior. Forever in appreciation, Eliana Durnbaugh, student and Semaphore member Photo 1, Photo 2
- Thank you for all you taught me! Your curiosity, joy, and warmth were truly inspiring, and working with you, even remotely, has been an incredible pleasure. I wish you all the best, and am incredibly grateful for the time and energy you devoted to all of us! -Sean Boyce, student
- Jane Shockley completely altered my relationship to movement, performance and the body. Because she believed I could dance, I believed I could dance; and that completely altered the course of my life. I will always be eternally grateful. Jane, congratulations on your retirement. Carleton will not be the same without your presence. -Max Wirsing, former student and lifelong fan
- We were in Arena theater during a tech rehearsal for a Semaphore show. During a little down time I found my center of gravity on two feet with my arms reaching out energetically to the edges of the space. Jane sprang up from her seat and ran onto the stage and said “That’s it! You found it!” I’ll never forget it. Thank you for this and more, Jane. You set so many of us on a lifelong path of lifelong movement and art making. -Lauren Simpson, student
- Not all hallway chats are superficial–I have deeply appreciated ours. I hope you’ll come back often and enjoy the next steps on your journey. –Paul Bernhardt, colleague
- I don’t remember ever seeing Jane without getting the best bear hug ever. Jane’s loving spirit and joyful smile always made me feel so supported and loved. Her work as an artist and as an educator are simply brilliant and I feel privileged to be able to work along side her. I will miss seeing your smile and feeling your energy in the space at the Weitz, but you are leaving a legacy of love of dance and that will never be forgotten! Love you to the moon and back again! -Daphne McCoy, colleague and friend
- From imparting the magical touch of contact improvisation to the shapeshifting techniques of contemporary dance, Jane has totally opened up the dance world to me. -ZhaoBin Li, student
- I wish Jane happiness, positivity, love, and light as she moves on to the next chapter of her life. I hope that she continues to carry a warm smile with her everywhere she goes. -Kenya Cooper, student
- Thank you so, so much for your beautiful artistry and teaching, Jane! Your emphatic empowerment during Contact Improv pushed me to learn to let go and embrace my body and movement without so many thoughts and strictures, and I will never forget those valuable lessons. I hope retirement brings you all the joy and art and magic you deserve! -Colleen Scallen, former student
- Congratulations Jane! I will miss your humor, thoughtfulness, and smile. You always bring a positive and grounded outlook to a situation, and I can’t thank you enough for introducing me to the My Favorite Murder podcast. Everytime I listen, I think of you! Best wishes! -Christine Esterl, colleague
- I remember Jane talking about how fascinating it was to see the ways her daughter moved as a 2yo. She must be all grown up by now! Thank you for teaching me new ways to move, and giving me space to learn more about how I move through this world. -Sean Fern, former student
- Jane – You are the reason I am a dancer, the reason I’ve had a life of dancing. I think about you all the time, when I’m teaching, rehearsing, improvising, and all the other “not dancing” moments of my life when I am able to be in my body with sensitivity and curiosity. Thank you for giving me the gift of embodiment and the confidence to pursue a life of movement and art. I’m so, so grateful. Much love, Laura Grant, former student Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4, Photo 5, Photo 6, Photo 7, Photo 8, Video Message
- I can’t express how grateful I am to Jane. At first I didn’t really know how amazing she was, I honestly just needed a PE credit, but my senior year Moving Anatomy class with Jane has stuck with me more than I can say. I go back to constructive rests and roll downs when I need to recenter, I pay attention to my body when I am in pain, and I know how to move gently and joyfully. I will honestly never forget the care and compassion and invaluable lessons she passed on. And I will never hesitate to channel my inner baby body! Thank you, Jane, from the bottom of my heart. -Rebecca Spiro, student
- I remember the first class I took with you was the spring of my freshman year – I was so nervous having only previously experienced very structured styles of modern dance. I vividly remember an exercise in class that involved rolling across the floor and making eye contact with a partner – during this exercise I remember that I could not stop smiling and having so much fun! Your classes really helped me re-define what dance can be in my own body, as well as rekindled my enjoyment of the art! Thank you so much for all the hard work you put in with Semaphore – the experience of working with so many artists was invaluable and I always left rehearsals exhausted but having learned something new. I wish you the best in all your future endeavors! 🙂 -Margaret Anne Puzak, Dance Alumna
- Jane was the first working professional modern dancer I met. Without her connection to the modern dance field I would not have taken the leap to pursue a career in dance. Because of her training, guidance and example I spent several years as a professional dancer and toured the world with Elisa Monte Dance. I owe a great debt to the hours spent with Jane in the studio and in theaters, both as a performer and watching her from the audience. Congratulations on all you have done for Carleton! –Matt Fisher, former student
- I was lucky enough to take a few classes with Jane during my time at Carleton. Her classes were always the highlight of my week. Her approach to teaching dance encouraged me to be creative and curious without worrying about what others would think. She created safe and inspiring classroom communities and led by example. Thank you, Jane! –Liz Holohan, former student
- Just wanted to let you know that you’re class is tied for my all-time favorite course at Carleton. I’m super fidgety so finding ways to express myself through movement was a huge reprieve from the sedentary grind of the rest of the day. I also remember you being visibly disappointed that I was taking your intro class as a senior because if we had more time together you would’ve “made a dancer out of me”. It was a validation of my potential that I’ve never forgotten even if I haven’t taken many dance classes since. Thanks for being a rad professor and best wishes in your retirement. –Wisdom Akpan, former student
- For your enthusiasm, your guidance, your patience, and your warmth—endless thanks always, Jane. You opened the door to movement and the senses. Wishing you the greatest happiness and satisfaction. There is no way to thank you enough. -Anonymous
- I miss warming up in Cowling gym studio with you and breaking down/working through movements. Such great memories! And thank you, Jane, for being such a passionate and meticulous dancer/teacher/choreographer. I learned a lot from you. Enjoy your retirement and all the best! –Jipei Zhang, Semaphore member 2004 – 2006
- You were my favorite teacher at Carleton. I’m sure I never told you this. I was shy and heady, and taking Contact Improv with you multiple times helped me start to come out of my shell and enjoy safe and simple touch. Your gentle warmth and encouragement was a balm for me and so needed at that time. I know I am just one student among hundreds but I wanted you to know this. Thank you. -Adam Koren, former student
- Jane, this is my image of you: swaying in the breeze, but never ruffled. Your composure taught me the stillness I was seeking in the midst of all that movement. -Roman Morris, student
- Video message and photo from Christopher Ashworth ’02.
- To Jane: You were an incredible inspiration, teacher, and mentor throughout my time at Carleton and in Semaphore. You renewed my love for dance again and made it an integral component of my experience at Carleton. I will never forget how you were able to encourage people new to dance to explore and enjoy movement in your Contact Improvisation class, or the countless hours in rehearsal at Cowling and in the Weitz Center that were always a joy. I still remember the warm-up sequence we followed at the beginning of each dance class and use it to this day. You have made an impact on so many artists and dancers throughout your time at Carleton, and it was a privilege to have been taught and danced with you. -Marisa Luck, student
- Jane!!!!! Oh, the memories! It’s been over twenty years but my mind instantly goes to flowing pants, melodic movement, and ethereal contact improv (the best!). It was always to a joy to be in the room with you. My mind has often shifted to the studio in Cowling…the night “Semaphore” was agreed upon as the name for the group, laughter during/after dance sessions, your incredible patience, passion, and warm heart for dance and the lovers it. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for being a bright light that will always remain close to my heart. -Chanté Lewis, former student, Semaphore founding member
- The way Jane moved… moved me. She helped me get out of my head and into my body at a time I needed it most. I will forever remember how she touched my life and continues to whenever I move intuitively. -Rinya Kamber, student
- Many words in this wonderful introductory blurb resonate with my experience of being your student, Jane – “revered,” “profound,” “wise”, “humane”, “invaluable.” You are such an important figure in shaping my awareness, confidence and humility in my body – something I felt estranged from as a teenager. I learned so much from you both directly and through the profound, humane experience of being encouraged to move intuitively and be myself in spaces with you. I dreaded fulfilling Carleton’s Phys Ed requirement when I initially arrived on campus, but I’m now so grateful, because it meant that I got to come back to your classes repeatedly. Once the requirement was satisfied, I kept coming on my own because I felt safe and encouraged. I am still pinching myself that I got to dance in an original piece of yours that we created over the course of the 2006-07 year and performed in the spring concert. The guidance and support you gave us during that experience was deeply personally valuable. You also helped turn me into a dance fan. Being your student was simply the best college experience I could have asked for (but didn’t know I needed), and I’m so glad I’m among many who have received your precious gifts. I took my first modern class since Carleton just before the pandemic (who knows why I stayed away so long!), and I’ve uploaded a video snippet from the class. Thank you so very much, and CONGRATULATIONS on your retirement! -Jonathan Rodkin, former student
- dear jane <3, i have no idea if you know how much you changed how i move, how i am in my body and how i have never been to a modern class i loved as much since yours. contact improv, anatomy, semaphore! it has all shaped how i am in the world. in the past years my movement life has been much more about being a lazy runner, learning some basic salsa and bachata with my partner and coming back again and again to all the different ways of dancing! -Elizabeth Nguyen, former student
- Dear Jane, I don’t know if you’ll remember me, but I took Moving Anatomy and very much enjoyed the partner work, contact improv, body awareness, etc., which I then incorporated into my singing. Singing was a hobby for me at Carleton, but in the past 10 years it has been my profession. I went to Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London and did movement work at various workshops, including baroque dance with people from Opera Atelier (Toronto). I think often of our work in Moving Anatomy, specifically tracing out bones of the shoulder, and I have done that with partners many times since. Thanks for providing some of the seeds that grew into this bigger journey! Congratulations on your career and retirement from Carleton! -Ben Kazez, former student
- Jane taught me how to trust my body (and other bodies!) in her contact improv class—one that many recommended I take during my time at Carleton. Best wishes for retirement Jane! -Erik Sorensen, former student
- Truly enjoyed her dance class. It is one of the most memorable classes in my life. She taught me anyone can dance! -YoonJung Ku, Class of ’06
- Jane, I loved your modern dance class! Thank you for being such a passionate and thoughtful teacher! -James Morrissey, former student
- Thank you Jane for your gift of teaching me the freedom of effortless movement . May your next phase of life be full of love and moments you cherish. -Elizabeth Morris, former student
- I took dance classes from Prof. Shockley in her first year or two at Carleton–I think it would have been during either the 1993-94 or 1994-95 year (I graduated class of ’95). My friends and I instantly loved working with Jane in class–and several things stand out in my mind. First was her use of contact-improv techniques to get us using our bodies in collaborative ways beyond traditional dance partnering–it felt really powerful to be able to hold and lift each other regardless of physical size. Second was the body awareness that she had and that she gave to us–the long stretching sequences that we would do at the beginning of class were better than any therapy or meditation; on one particular day close to finals time, I specifically remember her looking us over and saying something like “you all seem really stressed–we’re just going to do a full class of stretching,” and it was the perfect thing for that day. Third was the way she brought dance out of the classroom–sometimes literally: I remember Jane taking us out on Bell Field and putting us in a circle where we took turns initiating movements and having the class follow, a great exercise in mindfulness as well as dance. As I write these memories I find myself wishing more than anything that I could study with Jane again, as the lessons she taught me brought me so much more in tune with my own body and the people around me. -Griffin Woodworth, former student
- Dearest Jane, Congratulations on your retirement! Your incredible mentorship has lasted well beyond my 4 years at Carleton. The lessons I learned from you apply far and wide beyond the classroom and performance setting. I thought I would share some of these lessons I learned from you over the course of many classes and performances: 1. Always start with a great floor warm up. 2. Proceed with a clear intentionality. Clarity in mind leads to clarity in action. 3. Laugh with ease. 4. Find joy and nuance in each repetition. We once worked on a single combo for an entire 10-week term performed to Nothing Else Matters by Apocalyptica. I still listen to that song when I need to center myself. 5. True skill is the ability to both execute a rehearsed plan and improvise. 6. Fall like a child. It doesn’t hurt if you’re not afraid of the ground. But also get a good pair of knee pads. 7. Breathe with your people. You once lead our Semaphore group in a breathing exercise right before we went on stage at ACDFA, and I felt more connectedness in that moment than anytime before or since. 8. There is beauty in slowness. I will always remember the butoh piece you performed for Mary Easter’s retirement. I hope I have given you a glimpse of the incredible teaching and experiences you gave me. I miss you. Enjoy a very well-earned retirement! Much love, Claire Brookmeyer, former student, dance major, class of 2010 Photo 1, Photo 2
- I am so grateful to have been able to watch Jane dance and learn from her. She is a thoughtful teacher who treated us all as dancers, no matter our experience. Her teaching helped me develop my ability to inhabit my own body and movement, to be in touch with other people and to be present in the physical world. I wish her all the best and send my gratitude. -Sarah Moberg, former student (class of 2007)
- Thank you for helping me keep my eyes up. -Anonymous
- Photos submitted by Michelle Hoge, former student and Semaphore dancer: Photo (1): I took this photo in the field by the Weitz in Spring 2015 because it made me so happy to see students (one of them is Rachel Clark) doing contact improvisation spontaneously out in the sun. This scene would not have materialized without Jane. Photo (2): A fellow dancer’s notes from ACDA 2016 (Wisconsin) with some of the feedback the judges had for Semaphore. (We performed Lucia Webb’s piece and Matthew’s Call Your Girlfriend piece that year.) Photo (3): Semaphore dancers in the Arb in late October 2015.
- Congratulations, Jane, on your many inspirational years of teaching at Carleton and this new adventure! Your impact on my Carleton experience and beyond has been immense, it is hard to put into words. My time in the Weitz studios and in Semaphore was formative to say the least, and I am so thankful for your fierce, loving guidance and leadership. You taught me to expand my horizons for how bodies should move and interact, how to be more mindful in my bodily awareness and alignment, and about carrying thoughtfulness into aspects of life outside of the studio. Oh how I wish I could lay on the studio floor feeling all my weight sinking into the ground, have someone squeeze my muscles like tubes of toothpaste, and make some X’s and O’s. And then dance to Ma Cherie. You are such a calming presence, but you also bring so much fun and spice to life that I am excited for what you will do next! I am so glad to know you and am certainly better for it. Wishing you only the best in your retirement, may the world open up for you in new and exciting ways! Sending you so much love. -Erin Arntson, former student and Semaphore dancer
- Jane, I am so grateful for your profound impact on me as a dancer and a person. You taught me courage, release, and trust. You gave me permission to feel and language to express it. Thank you for deepening my love of dance. Wishing you joy and rest! -Hettie Stern, former student & Semaphore alum ’17
- Hi Jane! I danced with you when you were pregnant and the experience helped inspire me to stay active (and dancing) through both of my pregnancies. It was 1997, I think, and you choreographed an exciting piece involving folding chairs. We were leaping on, falling from and running around folding chairs but you, with your beautiful baby getting bigger and bigger inside, leaped the highest, ran the fastest and even sunk to the floor the most smoothly. It was a marvel that I will always remember. Picturing how you celebrated your changing center of balance and growing size made me feel comfortable and confident years later during my own pregnancies. I’ll always be grateful to you for that lesson and I know I had healthier and happier pregnancies as a result. And of course I’m grateful for the wonderful experience of dancing with you! Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for all you have done for me and so many others. -Ellen Byron, former student
- I never left a class feeling so consistently revived, supported, and enriched as the classes I took with you, Jane. I feel so lucky that I found my way into your classroom before graduating, and I wish that I had done so earlier! Your generous and lively spirit created such a rich, playful learning environment– I was always happy to get sweaty in your classes. To this day I carry with me everything you said, everything you showed me. Thank you! Now enjoy some time off! -Mairead Koehler, former student
- Dear Jane, I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be your student at Carleton. Your dance classes were often the highlight of my day. Thank you also for warmly guiding me through my performances and choreography. Your encouragement, when I was experiencing doubts about my abilities, meant so much. I wish you the very best in whatever comes next! You will be sorely missed at Carleton! Best wishes, Deborah Tan, former student
- Video message from former students Emily Ban, Elise Erickson, and Hannah Lucal.
- Jane, congratulations on your retirement! Thank you for your incredible dance instruction for Semaphore, which I enjoyed back in 2005-2007. What a beautiful experience. I hope that you continue to dance and inspire in your next chapter! -Sarah Kettenmann, Semaphore dancer
- Jane Shockley teaches with boundless joy and compassion. As a result, she has been able to lead her students to new awareness of their bodies and radical possibilities of wellness. My personal practices and knowledge would be much diminished without her brilliant PE lessons, which inspired and equipped me to keep myself safe, healthy, and able in my life’s endeavors. I look back on them as a great blessing, and continue to discover the power and significance of her teachings. Constructive rest and bone tracing exercises uplift me on a daily basis. -Donny Melstrom, former student
- Dear Jane, Congratulations on your retirement! It is hard to even begin to describe how big of an effect you had on my life during my time at Carleton. At Carleton, my experiences with dance were what had the biggest impact on my life. Dance at Carleton was more than just the dancing itself — it was where I felt most fully able to express myself, most confident, and where I felt the most myself. Having that home during college let me transform into the person I am today, and that is in large part due to you. You introduced me to my love for modern dance (which continues to this day!), encouraged me, and created a community for so many of us in Semaphore. I looked up to you more than you will probably ever know, and your Modern II classes were always one of the best part of my days. I know that you touched so many Carleton students through your teaching and leadership of Semaphore. You are leaving big shoes to fill. I wish you the best with whatever comes next for you! -Kristen Dooley, former student Photo of Semaphore rehearsal 2013
- Jane, congratulations on your retirement! I cannot overstate what a huge role you played in my development as a dancer, in my experience at Carleton, and in the development of the dance program as a whole. Thank you so much for your contributions and for making Carleton a wonderful place to dance and create. Lots of love! -Maisa Frank, former student
- When I think of Jane, I think about freedom of movement, confidence, and joy. Jane taught me to love my body, how I move in it, and what it can bring on stage. Jane was the one professor at Carleton who showed me how and where theatre and dance could live together, and that deeply influenced my identity as an artist. Thank you, Jane for all your knowledge, generosity, compassion, and love in the classroom and beyond. Have a lovely retirement!!! <3 -Sarah Tan, former student and Semaphore dancer
- Early in my time at Carleton I directed Charles S Mee’s play Summertime. It remains one of my favorite shows. It had a beautiful set and lighting design, beautiful costumes and a great cast. The show is about the complexities of love. It’s pleasure, it’s pain, it’s tenderness and its emotional combat. Jane choreographed a dance about its combative and tender sides and created it on the bodies of a cast that contained movers and students who had never moved or acted before. It fit them all, allowing the movers to look like movers and allowing the inexperienced to look like that as well. Far from interrupting the action it became part of it and deepened it. It’s a lovely memory among so so many others. Thank you, Jane. -David Wiles, colleague
- Jane! I truly do not know what words could express my gratitude for your mentorship during my time at Carleton and I wish I could dance with you in the same space to show you how impactful your guidance has been. From being my Semaphore rehearsal director, to technique class prof, to recommendation letter writer, you have supported me in my goals to continue to push myself in dance and embody the beauty that comes with authentic movement. I have so many fond memories of rehearsals and classes with you, too many to list them all. One example, in sophomore year when I was in Contemporary Dance Forms, I felt so deeply connected to my body through your teaching that it made me realize that I wanted to have the same impact on students. Before then I didn’t think that being a teacher was for me, but you changed my whole perspective. Then during Spring Term 2020, when everything felt so overwhelming I couldn’t process, your Moving Anatomy class grounded and centered my body so that my mind could release all of the pent up thoughts and feelings that were too difficult to speak. I am eternally grateful to have been your student for the last four years and am excited for what retirement has in store for you! Thank you again and sending hugs, Karah Haug, student
- Jane, I’ve had the pleasure of reading all of these beautiful, heartfelt messages of gratitude from alums, friends, current students, faculty, and staff as we celebrate all you’ve brought to our corner of the world. These messages are such a testament to your gifts of artistry, human connection, and vibrant living! Thank you for sharing your gifts with all of us at Carleton. Your presence will be very missed. Here’s to a joyful next chapter! -Sally Bell Pierce, colleague
- Thank you for being a wonderful part of my life and the lives of so many other Carleton students. My relationship with dance hit a real low in high school and I stopped dancing altogether my junior year. You (and Judith!) helped me rediscover my love of movement by creating a positive, welcoming, and safe environment. I am forever grateful to you for renewing my love for dance, making me a stronger and better mover, and being such a significant part of my time at Carleton. I want to share with you one of my favorite pictures from my time in Semaphore: An awkward “family” photo we took backstage at the Kennedy Center before performing Elevator for One. Thanks for being the head of that awkward family. -Rebecca Brown, former student
- Dear Jane, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generous teachings. The techniques and approaches to movement you offered laid the foundation for a dance career that is beyond what I’d dreamed, for which I am deeply grateful. Your belief in my capabilities was the water I needed for seeds within me to sprout. But even more precious than techniques and careers, your deep reverence for the body’s wisdom awakened something in me that has and will inform the way that I move through the rest of my life. I first came to your classes with years of dance training that had alienated me from my body, and found a space and community where it was safe to reinhabit myself. I discovered the weight, mass, strength, power, sensitivity, curiosity, musicality, memory, emotion, passion, intelligence, wisdom, and spirit of my body, from within. You created a space where I was able to heal and grow into a fully embodied human spirit, and for that I am eternally grateful. I hope you enjoy your well-earned retirement, knowing that you’ve transformed the lives of many people who will carry your teachings into all they do. You will always be an inspiration to me. So much love and gratitude, Rachel Clark, Class of 2015
- Congratulations and wow, how is this happening already! I’m taken back to learning that I could have a “junior faculty member” in dance. And that you would be the dream-come-true teacher. Oh Jane, what times we had! From the everyday “department meeting” where many plans got settled just washing our hands in the ladies room, all the way to the heights of the Kennedy Center triumph. And all the ACDFA’s in between. The huge experiment of Semaphore that first year –all volunteer, no credit, class and rehearsal requirements — until we knew it could work and then we’d apply for academic credit. The list of our times is too long for me to organize, so these moments are just popping up. I’m writing my appreciation for every class, every rehearsal, every future projection/choreographer/tech rehearsal/crisis/solution of our association over the years. May retirement be bountiful for you—and restful!!! As soon as I submit this I’ll think of dozens of things I should have mentioned. Know that I treasure the time we had together and wish you well, well, well. Love, Mary Easter Photo of dinner during the Kennedy Center trip for the ACDF Finals concert.
