Sharing our work on the INSIDE with people on the OUTSIDE

Avodah has been working on the INSIDE of women’s prisons since 2002. We have all been deeply affected by our work, often having preconceptions shattered, realizing the amazing power of music, movement and the arts, and becoming highly aware of the complexity of the prison experience. People often ask us about our experiences with fascination and curiosity.
In this upcoming performance, we have the opportunity to share
with the public an insight into our work and experience
at women's correctional institutions.


So, if you are one of those people, please mark your calendar for September 23rd at 8pm!
Avodah is part of a showcase concert for DNA's SAS
(Subsidized Administrative
Space) members, and Avodah has been the recipient
of a SAS
grant at DNA since 2006. Avodah dancers Stephanie
Miracle and Sarah Zitnay will perform a duet
choreographed by
Yong Mi Olsen, a woman
resident at York Correctional Institution, the only state
prison in Connecticut, who has
participated in several of Avodah's dance
residencies. The duet explores the experience of
imprisonment, the duality of physical and mental
confinement versus a
spiritual yearning for openness and freedom.

Anna Halprin--an inspiration!

This past year I attended two seminars in California
led by dance pioneer, Anna Halprin, called "Dance for
Life." Anna Halprin's work has put dance
and movement at the center of community building,
creating rituals of healing and human
expression. I believe that Avodah's
mission of bringing the power of dance to diverse
audiences and communities aligns with Anna's
work.


I look forward to integrating much of what I have
been learning from Anna into Avodah's programs,
services and performances.

There is a new film about
Anna was made by Ruedi Gerber, who has known
Anna for 25 years and also attended the "Dance for
Life" retreat. His film is called "Breath Made Visible,"
and it is
the only documentary about the life and work of
Anna, who at 89 years old is still breaking down
barriers. The website for this film is:
www.breathmadevisible.com

BAYLOR VISIT July 28th

Avodah Dance Ensemble headed from New York
City
to Delaware one early Tuesday morning to bring a
special program to the women of BWCI. During the
morning class session, we met with Baylor women
who have previously participated in Avodah
residencies and in the afternoon session, the women
offered a short performance for visiting families,
friends and other inmates of Baylor's education
department.
The women shared many of the benefits they feel
from
dancing with Avodah, including the ability to find
expression in a new way that assist them in turning
away from drugs and alcohol. The women continue
to
share how the movement and music they experience
with Avodah help them to develop confidence and a
positive self image.

DANCE YOUR CARES class for women affected by cancer

DANCE YOUR CARES class
For women affected by cancer
After leading “The Body Project” at the 14th Street Y in New York’s East Village, I was approached by a friend and social worker who is healing from cancer. She asked me to teach a class similar to The Body Project for women who have been affected by cancer. We decided that women who have had cancer and women who have had close relationships with people who have had cancer would be our audience. Depending on the group we may offer an informal performance for the group’s friends and family.
The class will take place in the Fall of 2009. (Perhaps starting in late October or beginning of November).

We are currently organizing the class, seeking out the space and getting the logistics worked out. Please contact me if you are interested in this class or if you know someone who is. Also if you have a space or know of one that may be donated, please let me know! avodahdance@gmail.com