Fairmont State merges Psychology and Dance with upcoming event September 24

Fairmont State University’s Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center, in partnership with Dr. Tadashi Kato, Professor of Psychology, will host Dance Meditation with Eastern European Folk Music on Wednesday, September 24, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. on the second floor of the Folklife Center. 

“We provide many opportunities for folks to engage with the arts, but this is the first time we have offered an event that mixes the arts with mindfulness,” said Folklife Center Director Dr. Lydia Warren. “Collaborating with Dr. Kato to provide both meditation and live music is a new adventure for us that we are happy to offer!” 

The event will feature a live performance by Društvo, an acoustic folk band from the greater Weirton area. While the band provides traditional Eastern European music, Dr. Kato will guide participants through choreography inspired by Five Rhythms, a movement meditation practice developed by Gabrielle Roth in the 1960s that promotes self-discovery and mind-body connection through dance. 

No prior dance experience is necessary, participants are encouraged to respond to the music in their own way, moving freely and authentically to find mindfulness in motion. 

“I’m excited about the opportunity to bring together both the on-campus and off-campus communities through this interdisciplinary event, where psychology intersects with the folk performing arts of West Virginia,” said Kato. 

Free and open to both the campus community and the public, this event invites anyone seeking to try something new, embrace the beauty of music, and enjoy a moment of relaxation at the intersection of art, meditation, and friendship.