Statement of Purpose

Noyes Rhythm is a system of movement that helps people to increase or regain their natural sense of rhythm. The result of our work here is fluidity, ease and wholeness and lightness of movement; a way of moving that is akin to the vitality and freedom of all nature.

Quotes

“Rhythm is one, for all art and for all nature – that ‘forever flow’ which has its roots in rich elemental strength, and its flowering in universal beauty. Everything worthy of expression, in fact, floats out of rhythm, in the sense that we mean rhythm – health, beauty, in all the arts.”–Florence Fleming Noyes

A Noyes Rhythm student wrote once:

“I’ve been thinking a lot about the concept of rhythm, and I believe its value in human terms lies its continuity. So much effort, physical, mental and emotional, seems to be sporadic, scattered, interrupted. And I can’t recall a single piece of Noyes-Rhythm technique which is not completed. Spirals expand, arcs are joined, straight lines meet in infinity, there is nothing on top which doesn’t have its counterpart underneath. The good old law of gravity meets its match in the expanding universe, and rhythm moves between. It is completion, in place of fragmentation. It is achievement in place of failure. It is flying without crashing. It’s giving without losing.”

Some women have written:

“I just want you to know that the week I spend with you at camp was one of the most beautiful and meaningful experiences I’ve ever had…Noyes camp is truly a rare gem and makes such a beautiful contribution to women’s lives.””

“…It was not until I returned [home] that I reaped the full benefit. Much to my delight I discovered that I possessed self confidence, fortitude, and most important of all, a sense of inner tranquility…”

“ Why we love Camp!: One of those “if you had to choose a last day on earth” days. Dry, cool day after humid hot days, a presaging autumn day, all growth leaning toward harvest, harvest leaning to winter. By knowing the perfection of the day, knowing loss and loving the day more…Sun striping down between trees behind my tent. Time suspended, ambition and ego at rest…A few blackberries not found by the birds. The moon rising behind bands of cloud. Music that moved me in spite of-above- my bad toe, my creaky knees and extra weight. Knowing that my sense of the music is from my soul, my sense of the lyric deep in everything I care about…Remember, remember when life crowds in, with the stinky noisy city and duty and fear and competitiveness and disappointment. All of these things are here: the moon, the sweet air, and most of all, my true self that knows.”

We asked, “What does Noyes Rhythm camp give you?”

“Joy and freedom, carried by the music, sharing the  natural world, building and feeling strength and wildness, fluidity and flying.”

“Today I felt focus and strength from underneath with the light and joy on top. I had time to breathe, to notice the fresh scent and the smell of life. Things I love at camp: swimming in the lake, eating ripe berries on the path, the burst of sweet sour juice; warm covers tucked around the foot of my bed in my tent, wool blankets holding me tight and warm, sweeping the Pavalon floor..”

“Noyes Rhythm helps fill a need: The women who give me love, admiration, and encouragement, the free dance helps me to just be and Rhythm work helps me build my core strength and exercise helps me focus. I am made humble by the closeness to nature. I forget, easily, the troubles outside of camp so when I leave camp I can remember how to forget even when I’m in it.. I learn to eat and wake and move in a pattern that is healthy for my body. I learn to be with my sister in a way that is loving, to walk softly on the earth and to only want what I can have. I learn how to let go of personalities that bug me–how to perform improvisationally. How to set up a temporary life while feeling totally at home. How to open to the possibility, how to clean a lantern.”

“I feel good when I’m on Rhythm at camp, when I get interesting food, affirmations of good works coming from myself and others, continuing to keep my body and mind strong and flexible, balanced and healthy. I feel good when I’m making and maintaining friendships, giving, serving and providing for others and the beautiful surroundings, growing in understanding of others, letting go of what I think I need to control and trusting in others and myself.”