V.S. Kemanis in “Embrace, Give, Heal,” photo credit Nick Bonitatibus.
I was honored to be invited to participate in a program of the CareGivers’ Project, “In Time & Space.”
“The Mission of the CareGivers’ Project is to create a place to express and reflect on the complexities of being a caregiver for an elder and provide resources, support and benefits to the health of caregivers.”
V.S. Kemanis in “Embrace, Give, Heal,” photo credit Eric Bandiero
In keeping with its mission, the CareGivers’ Project has spearheaded a number of valuable community-based programs and unique approaches to expressing and reflecting on the conflicts and rewards of being a caregiver. In Time & Space takes the groundbreaking approach of exploring caregiving stories and involving the community through the medium of dance. My solo dance depicted my experience as a sandwich-generation caregiver, suddenly called to care for an ailing parent at a time when my children were very young.
Last weekend, we had our premiere performance at Judson Memorial Church in Manhattan, with audience participation and talkback.
Talkback at Judson Memorial Church, November 3, 2018, photo credit Nick Bonitatibus
Teresa Perez Cecco, photo credit Irina Leoni
The project was fortunate to have the talents of choreographer/artistic director Teresa Perez Ceccon. Working with her on my piece was a dream come true!
Jomarie Zeleznik in “Cry Me a River,” photo credit Eric Bandiero
Other beautiful performances by dancer-caregivers last weekend were Dr. Jomarie Zeleznik, the executive director of the CareGivers’ Project, dancing “Cry Me a River”. . .
and nationally recognized speaker and educator Rochelle Rice, dancing “Bob and Eileen,” a hospice caregiving story.
Rochelle Rice in “Bob and Eileen,” photo credit Nick Bonitatibus
And we are just getting started! A film documentary is in the works, encompassing the process of creation, performance, community involvement, audience participation, and sharing of caregiving stories.
You can join us in our exploration of reflecting individual experience and expressing the caregiving journey through dance by giving a tax-deductible contribution, small or large, to the CareGivers’ Project. Any and all help is much appreciated. CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE!
Photo credit Eric Bandiero
Goodbye for now! Hope to see you at our next performance!