Georgetown College. Georgetown University.

One of Lauren's fondest memories of Professor Stilwell's class came from watching and analyzing the classic film "Singing In The Rain." (Photo: courtesy Lauren Meigs)

Lauren Meigs, a sophomore English major from Huntsville, Alabama has a new reverence and understanding of music that has broadened her horizons and revealed to her new possibilities. And, according to her, she has Professor Stilwell and her classes to thank.

Meigs took a course with Professor Stilwell entitled “Music and Dance in America: 1932-1962”: an innovative and engaging look at some of the significant filmed musicals of the time period as well as a thoughtful study of that era’s noteworthy choreographers. Students analyzed an artist’s use of movement—from the simple curving of an arm to the majestic lifting of a ballerina—and the covert symbolism of these movements. Students also examined the use of cinematography in conveying the dance imagery to the public.

“I had an incredible experience in this course,” Meigs explained. “I learned a lot, opened my mind to new viewpoints, and had fun at the same time.”

Meigs said that there are countless memories of Stilwell’s class—each with its own profound impact on her relationship with music. But one of her fondest memories came from watching and analyzing the classic film Singing In The Rain starring Gene Kelly. Coming from a “musically-inclined” family, Meigs said she grew up watching this film and was confident that she new the movie “inside-out and backwards-forwards.” Yet she said watching it in Professor Stilwell’s class was like watching it for the first time.

“I remember spending over half an hour studying the title song of the film – Gene Kelly humming, playing, and, of course, singing in the rain,” Meigs recalled.  “It’s a short scene – probably 3 and half minutes – and yet, Professor Stilwell helped us interpret countless instances of subtle characterization. It was fascinating learning so much about this classic song and realizing the infinite artistic choices that created its significance.”  

It was through Professor Stilwell that she said she learned what she describes as “potentially the most important lesson” that she will ever learn at Georgetown University.

“Professor Stilwell taught me that most of the time, there are multiple answers to a single question,” Meigs said. “When interpreting film or any other artistic expression, one must always realize that there is a wealth of possible meaning behind every action. With this understanding finally realized, I believe that this course truly opened my mind to new, exciting possibilities and adventures.”

Meigs believes that it is those unforgettable lessons that makes Stilwell’s style of teaching so special.

“As a professor, Robyn Stilwell is one of those lucky finds,” Meigs said. “She is a professor who is incredibly passionate about her subject and able to open her students’ eyes to incredible, new perspectives through her art.”

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