Jane Manwelyan

ancestral dance

Investigating the wisdoms and lessons that we've inherited in our bodies, through workshops, performance, and writing. This work relies on elements of folk dance, as well as research in ancestral trauma that finds that traumatic events in one lifetime can be passed down genetically to offspring. 

DANCE FOR MY CHILDREN’S CHILDREN
King Towers Social Club
New York, NY
June 2018

“Dance for My Children’s Children” is the culmination of a 3-month workshop series held with a group of talented seniors from King Towers Social Club. Workshops explored ancestry, future, and the things we pass down using drawing, music, and movement. Each workshop is accompanied by live percussion, and includes guided improvisational dance as well as various forms of reflection. Together, workshop participants alongside the choreographer and musician developed a methodology to allow ancient memories, stored deep in our DNA, to come to the surface. 

Funding for this project was made possible through the SU-CASA program, a collaboration among the New York City Council, the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Department for the Aging and the City's five local arts councils. This program is administered by Lower Manhattan Cultural Council and supported by public funds from the New York City Council in partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Department for the Aging. More info at LMCC.net

Musicians: Michalina Vessio with Jean John and Dante Vessio
Photos: Shelly Golan

ISRAELI FOLK DANCING
Various locations throughout the Catskill Mountains of Upstate New York
Summer, 2019

ANCESTRAL DANCE WORKSHOP
Spillian Center
Fleischmanns, NY
June 2017