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CLAIRE SCHMAIS Obituary

SCHMAIS--Claire, on May 7, 2015. Beloved wife of the late Aaron, devoted mother of Beth, Michael, and Libby. Dance therapy pioneer, beloved teacher and mentor. Services Monday 11:15am at "The Riverside" 76th St. and Amsterdam Ave.

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Published by New York Times on May 8, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for CLAIRE SCHMAIS

20 Entries

Letitia Coburn

May 23, 2020

Dear Claire-
I honor the many lessons your Self taught my peers and me in the Dance Therapy program. Your humility and openness guide me today. You also taught me to trust deeply in my body and intuition, thus guiding me in multiple spheres of life. I honor you.

Rosemary Stanfield

March 28, 2020

Beautiful teacher. I studied movement with her at Hunter College. Inspiring. Creative. Memorable.

tam kipnis

May 2, 2019

you are always in my heart

ADTA conference 2013

Yeva Feldman

June 2, 2015

Claire taught me so many things. She taught me what it means to be strong and vulnerable at the same time; she taught me how to be a dance therapist and still be myself; she taught me the importance of being a cheerleader to one's children; she taught me the true meaning of generosity and humility; she taught me to believe in myself and do the right thing even when it's difficult. To Beth, Michael and Libby, I would like to wish you long life and tell you how grateful and privileged I feel to have had Claire as a teacher, mentor and friend.

Jennifer Sewall

May 19, 2015

Thank you dear Claire for your care and brilliant teaching at Hunter College. You moved so many lives. Blessings to your family and friends.

Andrea Nundy-Mala

May 18, 2015

Thank you for your inspirational writing and devotion to the field.

Chetna Geller

May 15, 2015

May all the Joy and Love that you held in your petite self soar unimpeded! i am grateful for the glimpses of your deep self that you shared over time and to have been one of the many Dance Therapists you nurtured into their life work.
Much Love to your family

Penelope Best

May 13, 2015

Thank you Beth, Michael and Libby for sharing your mum with the world of dance therapy. I want to honour the way Claire used her own vulnerability , her fallibility , for the sake of others' learning. This was balanced by her sheer delight in sharing the power of dance and her extraordinary generous spirit. I was touched by her personal interest and support to me as programme leader in different parts of Europe facing many similar issues to those she had experienced much, much earlier in her career. Her keenness to support the expansion of the profession never diminished. I will miss her.

Janifer Burns

May 13, 2015

Dear sweet Claire - how sad I am you have gone. My dream is of the happiness you and Aaron share now that you are together again.

Thomas Kuettel, M.D.

May 12, 2015

From one quick/direct/and strong dancer to another, your presence will be missed

Elissa White

May 12, 2015

Beth, Michael, Libby, Michelle, Eddie,Sam and David. Througout these 50 + years your mother spoke to me of you as i spoke of Matthew to her. All these words about all of you have crossed the "biological" barrier so in some way I hold you dear and as mine. I admire you all and hope the ensuing years bring all good things to you, You will always be in my thoughts so expect a few texts, or so .
Much love, hugs and peace.

Iris Bräuninger

May 11, 2015

A workshop with Claire twenty years ago in Munich left me with a life long wonderful impression. Claire's wisdom, generosity, warmth, sincerity and cordiality was absolutely unique. She will be deeply missed in the dance movement therapy world. Thank you for the wonderful treasure that you created for all of us.

Grace Polk

May 9, 2015

My mother, Elizabeth Polk was a dear colleague of Claire's and I'm sure the two of them are having a dance therapy moment as we speak. With condolences to you and your family, Grace Polk

May 9, 2015

So many people: dancers, students and therapists remember Claire as a loving and gifted teacher, artist, mentor and friend. As a founding dance therapy pioneer she brought a great light of warmth and joy to people who continue to dance together ... to dance from their hearts. I will remember Claire always with fondness. Sincerely, from Anne Mitcheltree

Debra Elfenbein

May 9, 2015

Claire was my first dancer. Her lifelong identity and practice was as a creative, hands-on, visionary, non-performing explorer of and activist for the crucial necessity of dance to emotional, physical, intellectual, aesthetic, and political health--of a person and the community.
Fortunately for all, Claire and Aaron went to my parents' courthouse wedding in 1952. Their sixty-plus years of friendship were crucial to my parents' quality of life--and mine.

Diana Franschman

May 9, 2015

Rest in peace.

Marie McKenna Aguirre

May 8, 2015

My dear Professor, I will miss talking and moving with you at the jcc pool. Your wise words and loving kindness will remain with me.
Thank you.

PM Vincenza Dante

May 8, 2015

My heart is heavy at the news of Claire's passing. I was in the Dual degree program at Hunter and I studied with her for 3 years. She was a treasure filled with patience and wisdom and was an ideal mentor. Weeping I went into my living room and did what Claire would understand. I danced how I felt- all the love and the grief and the appreciation using gestures and al the efforts that could convert my heart's message. May she be at peace.

Linni Deihl

May 8, 2015

Claire, You were a superb mentor, researcher and writer. You directed our profession to visability and acceptance in the psychiatric world. I am honored to have known you and been influenced by your excellence. Our dance therapy world morns the loss of your brilliance.....and of YOU.

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