Noyes School of Rhythm

- 245 Penfield Hill Rd, Portland, CT 06480

Tucked away in the serene, natural landscape of Portland, Connecticut, the Noyes School of Rhythm stands as a historic and distinctive point of interest that transcends the typical definition of a dance school. It is an internationally recognized sanctuary for the study and practice of Noyes Rhythm, a somatic movement system developed by pioneering dancer and educator Florence Fleming Noyes in the early 20th century. Unlike conventional dance training focused purely on codified steps, Noyes Rhythm is a philosophy and practice centered on developing a natural sense of the rhythms of nature and creativity through freedom of movement. For residents of Connecticut and beyond, this location, known in the community as "Shepherd's Nine," offers a truly unique opportunity to deepen physical and spiritual well-being.

The core philosophy of Noyes Rhythm is that movement should overflow from the dance class into daily life, fostering a connection to the present moment and the earth. The practice is often described as a vintage somatic method, predating modern somatic terms, and it integrates elements of nature, music, and artistic expression. The setting of the school in rural Connecticut is integral to this philosophy, providing a tranquil, natural environment where participants, whether adults attending a retreat or children exploring movement, can rediscover the simple joys of organic, uninhibited movement. The school's commitment to this legacy makes it an invaluable cultural and educational resource within the Connecticut landscape.

The program often features a communal, retreat-style experience, particularly during its summer sessions. Participants engage in daily movement classes, artistic expression, time in nature, and shared home-cooked meals, fostering a deep sense of community. The tradition of "Evening Dancing" is a particular highlight, an invitation to creative, improvisational movement with beautiful live music, often performed under the stars. For those in Connecticut seeking an alternative approach to wellness and movement that emphasizes mind-body connection and artistic freedom, the Noyes School of Rhythm offers an unparalleled experience.

The Noyes School of Rhythm is situated in a beautifully secluded, natural area of Portland, a charming town in Middlesex County, Connecticut. Its rural setting is essential to its mission, providing a quiet retreat from the stresses of modern life. While nestled in nature, the school remains accessible and is often used for residential workshops and long-standing summer programs.

The facility's address is:

• Address: 245 Penfield Hill Rd, Portland, CT 06480, USA.

The school’s grounds, known as Shepherd's Nine, maintain a rustic environment that is conducive to connecting with nature. For those driving, the location is best reached via major Connecticut routes, such as Route 66 and Route 17, with local directions available from the nearby center of Cobalt.

In terms of accessibility, the property maintains necessary accommodations:

• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot is provided, ensuring that all visitors and participants have access to convenient parking near the main facilities.
• While the setting is rustic and includes cabins and platform tents for lodging during residential programs, the community is dedicated to providing support and a welcoming experience for everyone.

The Noyes School of Rhythm offers educational and experiential programs centered on the unique Noyes Rhythm movement system. Their services are designed to nurture creativity, somatic awareness, and a sense of rhythm in participants of all ages.

• Noyes Rhythm Movement Classes: Daily classes focused on the Noyes Technique, which emphasizes natural, organic movement, body mechanics, and a connection to the rhythms of nature.
• Summer Residential Programs (Shepherd's Nine): Extended retreats offering an immersive experience with daily Noyes Rhythm, live music, readings, artistic expression, and community-building activities.
• Children's Programs (Good for Kids): The school has a history of offering Junior Camp programs, making the facility an excellent resource for parents in Connecticut looking for creative and physically engaging activities for their children.
• Improvisational Movement/Evening Dancing: Guided sessions focused on creative movement and spontaneous expression, often accompanied by live music and set by lantern light or under the open sky.
• Specialty Workshops and Retreats: Hosting or co-sponsoring weekend workshops that explore various somatic and dance improvisation methods, often in conjunction with other respected movement studios.
• Artistic Expression and Nature Time: Structured periods dedicated to artistic creation, music making, and simple rest or exploration of the surrounding natural property.
• Virtual Classes: The school offers online Zoom classes, allowing participants throughout Connecticut and the wider world to engage in Noyes Rhythm from the comfort of their home.

The true highlights of the Noyes School of Rhythm lie in its historical legacy and its distinct holistic approach to movement and community.

• Historic Legacy of Florence Fleming Noyes: The school preserves and teaches the pioneering Noyes Rhythm movement system, which was highly influential in early American modern dance and women's somatic practices.
• The Shepherd's Nine Retreat Setting: A tranquil, natural haven in the Connecticut woods that provides an unparalleled environment for deep body-mind connection, artistic exploration, and respite from urban life.
• Emphasis on Live Music: A key component of the Noyes experience is the use of beautiful live music during movement and evening dance sessions, enhancing the improvisational and expressive quality of the practice.
• Communal Dining and Living: Wholesome, home-cooked meals are shared communally at the Farmhouse, fostering a strong sense of togetherness and shared experience among participants, a core tradition of the camp culture.
• Unique 'Saturday Night' Tradition: The program often culminates in a community performance/improv theater night, providing a fun and supportive outlet for creative expression.
• Deep Connection to Nature: The programming actively encourages time in nature, with activities like hiking, swimming, and outdoor movement sessions integrated into the daily schedule, appealing to the New England love for the outdoors.
• Dedicated Master Teachers: The school is led by a group of highly experienced Master Teachers who are often lifelong students of the Noyes work, ensuring the authenticity and integrity of the original technique are maintained.

For inquiries regarding registration, retreat schedules, or the philosophy of Noyes Rhythm, please use the following contact details for the Portland, CT location:

• Address: 245 Penfield Hill Rd, Portland, CT 06480, USA
• Phone: (860) 342-0328
• Mobile Phone: +1 860-342-0328

Choosing the Noyes School of Rhythm in Portland, Connecticut, is an intentional decision to embrace a holistic, nature-based approach to movement that is rarely found in the Northeast. For Connecticut residents weary of high-stress fitness culture, the school offers a profound alternative. It is worth choosing for the historical richness of its practice and the tangible benefits of its somatic focus. The practice of Noyes Rhythm is not just about physical movement; it’s about "feeling more," finding easeful movement, and developing inner awareness, which translates directly into better balance and well-being in daily life. This is a practice that serves the mind and spirit as much as the body, making it a truly restorative retreat.

The immersive summer programs at Shepherd's Nine provide a crucial service in today's screen-dominated world: a chance to disconnect and reconnect—with nature, with self, and with community. The request for participants to limit screen time and the rustic living arrangements emphasize this intentional retreat. This environment is particularly valuable for parents seeking enriching, non-competitive programs for their children, as the emphasis is on creative, organic development rather than rigid performance.

Furthermore, the opportunity to learn from Master Teachers with decades of experience in the Noyes tradition, many of whom have studied directly with the original group, ensures that participants are engaging with a practice of profound depth and authenticity. Whether one attends a virtual class from their home in Hartford or an immersive week-long retreat in Portland, the Noyes School of Rhythm offers a truly unique cultural gem in Connecticut—a place where the rhythms of life are honored through dance, art, and the enduring beauty of the New England landscape.

Noyes School of Rhythm

245 Penfield Hill Rd, Portland, CT 06480, USA