In the Middle East and North African regions, lemon water with mint is consumed to cleanse the body of toxins and impurities. This workshop is an opportunity to clear the head and heart in order to dive into an exploration of our personal movement language and intuitive artistic voice. The workshop combines exercises drawn from meditative, somatic, dance, and writing practices which Sahar Damoni has used to develop her choreographic work. We will use these tools to get in touch with our bodies and ourselves and develop and react to movement material. The workshop is built on the importance of reciprocity between body and mind and the therapeutic power of movement. In this workshop, we tap into dealing with stress and trauma in the body and gain tools to manage the physical effects of these sources in our bodies and souls.
The workshop provides participants a safe and inclusive space for dealing with sensitive issues in a personal and exploratory way through somatic and movement-based exercises. The goal is to physically empower participants to fully feel, confront, and trust their bodies and intuition on their own healing journey for empowering the me in them and move in a free way in their own bodies in their own space and out of it in the society. It is an opportunity for introspection and personal research. Together, we will listen to the whispering of our dreams and enjoy the exploration toward reaching them.
The workshop draws on Sahar Damoni’s experience as an Arab Palestinian woman. Facing mental and emotional challenges in Arab society on a daily basis, Damoni saw the need to build a workshop from her personal story and professional experience that can provide an outlet to the difficulties other marginalized women, non dancers, dancers, and all people endure. The workshop offers emotional, physical, and practical responses that serve as tools to emphasize the strength of the individual and the support of the group.
This workshop is for everyone – dancers, non-dancers, general public, and artists alike.
Accessibility Notes
- This workshop includes auditive guidance.
- This workshop includes slides and video shared via a large screen tv.
- This workshop may include a walk around the building or the East Village neighborhood.
To request ASL interpretation or Audio Description, please email accessibility@movementresearch.org, subject line “ASL/Audio Description Request, MR Festival workshop” at least three (3) weeks prior to the class start date.
For access-related questions and requests, please contact accessibility@movementresearch.org, subject line “MR Festival workshop.”
