A letter to my future generations
Dancing has always been an integral part of my life. When I accompanied my mother to church, I would watch her dance and leap with joy as the choir sang. Spiritual Baptist churches are the closest experience I have to performance. In those moments, dancing in church often provided a respite from my mother’s struggles with schizophrenia. Inspired by the uplifting atmosphere, I began to dance, particularly because my low birth weight had affected my physical alignment. I was fitted with a brace called the Denis Browne bar to correct my feet. My doctor recommended dancing as a way to normalize my gait and channel my hyperactive energy, which was often labeled as uncontrollable.
At school, I faced disciplinary actions due to my behavior and was among the first cohort of students to receive an Individual Education Plan (IEP) when it was introduced. I didn't receive an ADHD diagnosis until my teenage years, and I didn't start treatment until after I became a parent. As a result, dancing became my form of medicine.
Our Programs
Ancestral Object Exploration
This three-day workshop for Black women will delve into objects from our ancestral past and their relevance in our contemporary lives. We will document our rituals and uncover hidden meanings and messages to foster a physical dialogue for healing.
Day one will commence with movement activities designed to release trapped energies within our bodies that can manifest as pain
On day two, we will reflect on what has been released and examine its connection to our ancestral objects, discovering movements inspired by the energy they convey
Day three will culminate in embodying the movements and discussions from the previous two days, allowing participants to leave with a personal movement practice that supports their journey toward healing.
Time: August 15th, 16th and 17th, 2025
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 10 am - 6 pm with a one-hour lunch break
Cost: $350
Location: TBD
Performance Customization
The Journey Project for Dance and Theatre offers a customized performance and workshop program that is meticulously designed to align with the specific needs of your community. Our approach focuses on addressing the most pressing concerns you face, ensuring a relevant and impactful experience. We invite you to contact us for a detailed discussion on how we can collaborate effectively.
Dance Classes
Each six-week session will explore a different form of movement
Join us for a captivating six-week dance workshop featuring Afro-Haitian and contemporary dance. Participants will explore the rich history and cultural significance of each dance style and discover the connections between Afro-Haitian and modern dance. This session is suitable for all ages, and at the conclusion, we will showcase the pieces we’ve created together.
DATES:
October 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
November 1st, and 8th
1.5 hours each session
LOCATION: TBD
COST: $15 per class
Storytelling Through Movement for Older Adults
What was your favorite song, food, movie, or social dance? Which street did you love to stroll down, or what memorable train or car ride stands out in your mind? Bring a cherished memory with you as we weave these experiences into stories, bringing them to life through music, dialogue, movement, gestures, props, and plenty of laughter.
Dates: Friday mornings, beginning in September 2025 @ 10 am
Location: TBD
Cost: Sliding scale