Wilma Ellersiek (1921–2007) taught music, speech, and dance at the Stuttgart Music Academy. Her research into the effects of rhythm, movement and language on young children led to the development of the first gesture games, which became foundational to Waldorf early childhood programs worldwide. She is also the author of Gesture Games for Autumn and Winter, Gesture Games for Spring and Summer, Giving Love, Bringing Joy and Dancing Hand, Trotting Pony. Kundry Willwerth was a Waldorf kindergarten teacher for over 30 years. For the last 20 years she has devoted herself, together with her husband Lyn, to translating Wilma Ellersiek's books, playing the games with children in her care and presenting workshops throughout North America and internationally. She is also the founder and artistic director of Magic Garden Puppets, a marionette theatre company in central New York state.