Emergent Connections: Explorations in Art & Movement

Emergent Connections s an invitation to connect with ourselves and each other. Movement can expand what feels possible in ourselves, bringing awareness to the space already within us, a space through which pleasure, sensation, and loving awareness can pour through our bodies. Movement can also expand what feels possible in our connections, inviting us to drop into a deeper listening to ourselves and others, providing a space for experimentation, vulnerability, and witness.

This workshop is inspired by artist Yuzo Nakano’s pursuit of three basic human desires: reproducing one’s experiences, recording (storing) them, and transmitting them to other people. This workshop will play with our experience of visual art (specifically looking at Nakano’s artwork and creative approach) and invite us to store and transmit those experiences through movement.

The session will begin with a warm-up for us to center in our own bodies through meditation and imagery prompts. We will then open our awareness through group and partner activities that invite play and connection. This workshop is designed for people of any and all movement experience. Activities will include lying down, standing, and moving through the space, and modifications and alternatives will be offered as needed.

Workshop participants are invited to the gallery walk of Fossils of Language with artist Yuzo Nakano at 2pm.

Date: Saturday, February 25, 2023
Time: 12:30-1:30 pm
Ages: All ages (children 5+ must be accompanied by an adult)
What to bring: Comfortable clothing, non-slip shoes, and water bottle
Cost: RSVP via Eventbrite / Free/ Sliding Scale

Please RSVP ahead of time for this workshop as we have limited spots available. Please contact education@kala.org if you have any questions. As of February 2023, mask-wearing is recommended but optional for all visitors and participants in Kala’s gallery and community classroom.

Instructor Bio: Chi Chi Chang has worked for the past five years as a classroom teacher, outdoor educator, and movement facilitator. In all these contexts, they have been humbled to be able to do the joyful and rigorous work of facilitating the transformation and growth of people of all ages. Chi Chi studied Dance, Sociology, and Spanish at Middlebury College including courses in technique, improvisation, performance art, and choreography. Their facilitation style is influenced by their study of improvisation, experiential anatomy, modern dance, dance-movement therapy principles, and performance art activism. Chi Chi‘s facilitation style centers play, curiosity, responsiveness, and connection. They have facilitated various workshops in the local area.

Event Details

Date: February 25, 2023

Time: 12:30 pm–1:30 pm

Kala Art Institute
2990 San Pablo Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94702