OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE:
a Movement Choir
You are invited to create and perform a communal movement project to be presented in the afternoon of July 5, 2026 at Five Points Art Center in Torrington, CT. We are seeking between 20-40 performers (ages 18 and up) of all skill levels and backgrounds to join us in creating this celebratory event. The project's intention is to evoke the spirit of regeneration and community in this celebratory marking of our 250th anniversary as a nation. This movement choir will be directed by choreographer Paula Josa-Jones. Paula is a dance artist, choreographer, movement educator and therapist known for her visually rich, emotionally charged dance theater. Her work includes choreography for humans; inter-species work with horses, dancers and riders; film, and video. Paula's collaborators in developing this event and festivities include Jill Drew, Patricia Oris and Amy Wynn. A movement choir is a form of community performance where groups of people collaboratively create and perform movement, focusing on the healing, inspirational experience of moving together. In addition to the movement choir, there will be food, music, and an interactive, participatory art-making tent on the grounds. In preparation for this performance, we will hold seven rehearsals which will take place in Sharon, CT. Participants must commit to at least five of the rehearsals. The movement vocabulary is simple: walking, standing, sitting, turning, running (for those who are able) and simple gestures. The rehearsals themselves are a way for us to imagine and express a democratic, inclusive, open-hearted vision for our beloved country.
