I feel honoured that I was given the task to teach Eurythmy at the Perth Waldorf School for 37 years.  The school has grown tremendously since its fledgling beginnings, but has never wavered from its commitment to Steiner education.  When Eurythmy moved into the Williams Hall I wondered whether the space might be too big for Eurythmy to retain its intimacy, but I soon saw how much Western Australian children truly love to move.  They filled the space with joy!  When we finally were able to wear colourful silk tunics, the rejoicing was magnified.

There was also enough room to put on performances, sharing our diligent work with parents and younger classes.  The younger children could then see what they would be allowed to do in the coming years, perhaps with a bit of wonderment as to how they would ever become that good!  As a teacher I was constantly amazed how a performance brought out the best in each one, revealing hidden talents and deep dedication to the high task of moving together as a group.

I had the idea that it would be even more inspiring for the students if they could see their teachers perform Eurythmy.  In 2015, time was made for some courageous teachers from all the Faculties to practice Eurythmy before their staff meetings.  A small group of about 8 teachers took up the challenge, working on the rather complicated choreography, moved with music, to a piece called the EVOE.  The EVOE is an ancient Greek greeting which, through Eurythmy gesture, means “I see the God in you.’  As one weaves from person to person, inwardly one has the following experience:

“You go forth in expectation.
Your paths cross.
You shower blessings on each other’s shoulders,
And because you have met
The whole round world is different,
And you carry this difference into your heart.”

The performance went beautifully.  Certainly, we had the help from higher beings, and the atmosphere in the hall was transformative.  However, it was not certain at all that this would be the case when the logistics of fitting the Primary Classes into the Hall with still enough space to perform, were considered.  To top it off, it was winter flu season.  One loyal teacher pulled himself out of his sick bed to arrive 

only minutes before the performance started.   This was much appreciated, as each person’s place in the choreography is essential.  To navigate the form with a ‘hole’ would have been very confusing.  

To me the teachers’ EVOE performance is an example of what makes the Perth Waldorf School so special.  Despite what seems to be insurmountable difficulties, everyone contributes that little bit extra and together they create a vessel in which the spirit may live.  

Kristina Hamilton
Eurythmy Teacher 1994-2021