ABOUT

5:30-7:00pm Guided-Movement Workshop with Paru Frances (they/them)

To greet the body, to thank the body, and to listen to the body are the opening stages of Paru’s trauma-informed somatic & spiritual dance activation. In their movement-based brave space participants will be invited to explore themes of joyful expression, collective ancestry, natural resilience, and fantasy through guided movement.

Drawing from their passions in dance philosophies rooted in qi gong, breaking (dance), whacking, and experimental freestyling, Paru will lead the meditative movement session with assorted prompts that focus on bringing each attendee into the present moment. Movers will be encouraged to transmute blockage and/or pain stored in memory by applying clearing gestures.

A variety of sonic atmospheres ranging from healing soundscape to modern alternative R&B will be played and a closing cypher (optional) will conclude the session. As an alternative closing activity, journaling exercises for those who would prefer to write to process their movement will be available.

By the end of the workshop, each person who attends will be able to walk away with a range of new meditative movement patterns, a printed copy of the dance prompts shared, and educational resources on more local spaces to learn dancing (from street styles to butoh).

All are welcome + no formal experience necessary.

7:15 - 9:00pm Open Mic

All welcome ~ Come to enjoy or come to perform. Our intention is to foster a kind and supportive community space encouraging folks to engage in self expression by providing a safe space to share. No need to attend prior workshop to participate in the open mic.

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About The Arts Area:

The Arts Area provides fiscal sponsorship, professional development, resource support, and civic advocacy to develop and support economic sustainability and equitable access in the creative industries of San Bernardino, Riverside, and East Los Angeles Counties.

About Velvet Penny:

Velvet Penny is a singer/songwriter working at the intersection of art, wellness and activism. Dedicating their current body of work, All the Flowers, to domestic abuse. Penny’s art show is on view at The Arts Area Gallery at CASA Pitzer in Downtown Ontario, California. This multifaceted project features a music video, interactive props, community zine with resources, and a full length album.

Donations:

Your donations contribute to marketing, future projects, programs, artists and facilitators.

Future Programs:

1/21: Somatic Consent Education hosted by Rebekah Rose

2/11: Self Defense Workshop hosted by Project Sister

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