the whole artist
A movement, writing, and discussion based workshop to empower performing artists.
The Whole Artist Workshop was created to address the unique and overlooked needs of performing artists. Become your own advocate, practice listening to your intuition, gain tools to care for your health, become empowered in your artistry and expression, and receive support in building a career in the performing arts industry.
“So thankful for, and moved by, Jessica who came to my anatomy class to offer a ‘mental health intervention’ for dance majors. She was clear, compassionate, and generous with what she offered! She talked about meditation, yoga, creative writing, and therapy, and offered numerous resources in all categories. Friends who teach in dance programs... please reach out to her if a program like this might be useful at your school!”
content
INTRO — starting where we are, we will explore breath-work, meditation, and body scans
YOGA — with breath linked to movement, we “dance” through transitions from pose to pose; we begin by grounding, connecting to our breath and our bodies on the earth; with care, we increase intensity at a steady pace and after our peak of exertion, we slow down and end in a cool down
IMPROVISATION — gently transition to increased movement exploring levels, tempos, textures and space
JOURNALING PROMPTS — discover how writing can be a therapeutic tool for your mental health, and a way to deeper connect to your desires, goals, and dreams
DISCUSSIONS — topics include empowerment, advocacy, using one’s voice, creative expression
RESOURCES — receive a list of resources for your mental and physical health
about
2 Hours
Weekend and full-week workshops are also offered for more in depth explorations and learning
Can be hosted by dance studios, pre-professional programs, colleges, companies, and productions.
Students should wear/bring comfortable clothes that they can move in, a journal/notebook, and pen
“Jess has a way to make us feel comfortable and worthy and special in an open space whether she has an hour and a half with us or 10 minutes. You can always go to her and you won’t ever be judged about how you feel or who you are. She creates a space where you can forget for some time and you can just really become intact with yourself and your body. She teaches us to strip yourself from your thoughts and worries and to always unapologetically be you. I always look forward to any class or even 5 minutes of time I get to talk to Jess and I couldn’t thank her enough for the empowerment and healing she’s given all of us.”
a note from jess…
I originally conceived of this necessary workshop as senior in college, struggling to make it through to graduation. My mental and physical health had significantly deteriorated over the course of the four year BFA program, and enduring a sexual assault in my final semester was the breaking point. I powered through to graduation with a sprained back, severely disordered eating, and trauma that silenced me. I decided to quit dance upon graduation but in the simultaneously painful and healing years that followed, I began to mend my body and mind, gain perspective on what issues arose in the program that led to my suffering, and became determined to create environments for students and professionals alike that were truly safe and supportive.
I have had a wild and twisting journey as a dancer and it is my deepest passion and hope to provide encouragement, support, and guidance for other performing artists who have struggled or suffered. By the time I graduated from college, I felt completely broken in every sense of the word. Since that point, I’ve dedicated myself to my own healing and discovered tools, resources, and changes in perspective that have helped me move forward in all of the areas I had been hurting deeply. I am proud of the progress I’ve made and am committed to sharing all I’ve learned with other performing artists in the hopes that their journeys are filled with more support, empowerment, health, safety, and vitality than before.
Since dedicating time to healing my WHOLE being, I became the Dance Captain, Swing, and eventually Assistant Choreographer for a Broadway National Tour, an associate director, an actor in a feature film, and a yoga teacher. I could have never accomplished these professional goals without stepping away and addressing my mental and physical health, exploring other areas I was passionate about, and learning to use my voice and stand up for myself and others. This workshop compiles everything I have learned thus far about making it in this industry with longevity, joy, and health.”
