Somatics and Art for culture shift
Facilitated By: Neva Cockrell
April 18
10am - 1pm
In this workshop we will explore the overlap of somatic practice and art for culture shift. We will begin by looking at how some aspects of our overculture – hyper-activity, electronic devices, systems of oppression, capitalism – live in and pattern our bodies. And our bodies, in turn, create our collective culture, often through our creations. Therefore both our bodies and our creations are places where we can interrupt patterns of harm and create more freedom.
Through a guided somatic process, we will approach our bodies with gentleness and curiosity to see what is there. From this felt place, we will move, sound, and express. Feeling and expressing not only helps us to identify what is there, but also opens the possibility of change.
The second half of the workshop will be a guided creative session making art for culture shift. As artists, we have a potent role in shifting our society towards justice, wellbeing, and reverence for life. Using the inspiration of what we find in our embodied practice, we will enter into the creative process. Starting with a creative prompt, this will be open time where we work individually, letting our bodies and inspiration guide us. Each person will choose the medium in which they work – dance, voice, theater, writing, drawing, etc. We will each create, share our work, and have discussion about the pieces.
Schedule:
10-10:15 Arrival / Introductions / Opening Practice
10:15-10:30 Presentation of Material
10:30-11:30 Guided Somatic Explorations
11:30-11:45 Break
11:45-12:30 Creative Explorations
12:30-1 Sharing and Closing
Option to stay overnight at WildHeart before or after – come early or stay late. Reach out to us at [email protected] to confirm your stay.
Who is this for?
Artists who are interested in embodiment. Embodiment practitioners who are interested in art. Anyone looking to walk an embodied, creative path towards individual and collective liberation.
No experience in art or somatics required.
If you know you’d like to work artistically in a specific medium, please bring what you need to do so (musical instruments, art supplies, etc). Paper, pens, and basic drawing materials will be provided.
Please bring a journal if you’d like to write / draw in your journal.
Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely.
“Neva facilitated a space that felt inclusive, liberating and autonomous. I felt that I belonged and I was able to arrive as myself. Each offering invited freedom of movement, self expression and sharing.” -Erica, Embodiment Retreat Participant
“Neva is SUCH a gifted teacher and speaker. The way she explains things is so perfect, to the point. After working with her, I feel this sense of movement, change, and understanding in my life that is so simple.” -Lily, Somatics Class Participant
“I spoke with another older woman who was in the class who is going through a difficult health challenge. Your words gave her hope and courage as she’s facing the unknown. Helped her remember that her body has wisdom, can heal and that she needs to listen.” –Mellen, Creative Movement Class Organizer
About Neva Cockrell
Neva Cockrell (she/her) is a professional dancer, director, and educator. She is the co-founder and co-director of WildHeart: Center for Performance and Embodiment Practice, where she lives, creates, and works in the Hudson Valley, NY, since 2022.
She danced with Pilobolus from 2016-2019, as Dance Captain 2017-2019, and now teaches with the company. With Pilobolus she toured extensively to Germany, Switzerland, Austria, China, Mexico, Israel, Dubai, and within the US.
She is also a writer/director/choreographer who uses dance-theater as a tool for social change. In 2010 she co-founded Loom Ensemble, which has toured across the US, Europe, and UAE for 14 years. She is passionate about using Loom Ensemble performances to open difficult conversations, and then facilitate community discussion to unpack the emotional vulnerability and cultural taboos of each show. For her directorial work with Loom Ensemble, she is the recipient of several grants from the New England Foundation for the Arts, including the New Work New England Grant.
In 2012, she joined the Art Monastery, whose mission is dedicated to exploring community, contemplation, and creativity. She served as a co-director of this non-profit from 2014-2021. Through these years she deepened her meditation practice, and uncovered the overlap of art-making and personal practice.
She has been teaching dance, theater, and embodiment practices for over a decade, including opening Physique 57’s first international studio in Dubai and developing her own movement technique, Catalyst. Her diverse background in gymnastics, partner acrobatics, contact improvisation, Capoeira Angola, and Yoga inspire her unique style of Contemporary Dance in both her choreography and her classes. She is a yoga teacher certified through Simple Yoga with Eric Stewart, and in training to become a Somatic Movement Educator through Body-Mind Centering. She is deeply passionate about the overlap of somatic work and breaking down systems of oppression, and has been offering workshops integrating somatics, art-making, and culture shift work for the last 5 years.
Location
This workshop will take place in the Barn. If you’re coming to WildHeart for the first time, please visit our Directions page for arrival info.
Registration
Program Costs (sliding scale)
$25-$75
By offering a sliding scale, and two free BIPOC spots, we hope to make this offering financially accessible. Paying at the higher end of the sliding scale MAKES IT POSSIBLE for us to offer a sliding scale and scholarship spots. Please pay at the highest level that you are able.
Refund policy
- No refunds, no transfers
Covid policy
Masking is optional but not required. Please do not attend events if you are feeling sick of any kind, or showing any COVID or flu like symptoms.
BIPOC spots
We are offering 2 free spots for BIPOC folx. Please select BIPOC Spot from the Pricing drop down to use one.
