Continuous Present

Book Design

I had the immense pleasure of collaborating with the legendary Barbara Dilley on the initial design layout of her book, originally titled Continuous Present and now published as This Very Moment. Barbara’s extraordinary career spans her time with Merce Cunningham and his esteemed dance company, her groundbreaking work with Yvonne Rainer, and her integral role in the iconic Grand Union, a revolutionary dance theater improvisation ensemble. 

Barbara's journey eventually led her to Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, where she designed and led a dedicated dance program, later serving as the university's president from 1985 to 1993 before returning to the arts faculty. I had the privilege of working with Barbara on this project while teaching at Naropa myself, making the experience deeply personal and inspiring.

This Very Moment is not only a memoir but also a rich handbook of the classroom practices Barbara developed over 40 years at Naropa. It delves into the intersection of dance, movement improvisation, and composition, infused with the profound insights she gained from her study of Tibetan Buddhist meditation under Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. The language, metaphors, and awareness she cultivated through these practices shine throughout the book, creating a powerful dialogue between body and mind.

Designing the layout for this deeply meaningful work remains one of my most cherished creative endeavors. Thank you, Barbara, for entrusting me with this remarkable project and for the opportunity to bring your vision to life.