THE CROSSROADS PROJECT

Using the language of movement as an entry point, The Crossroads Project is designed to break through the forms of geographic, socioeconomic and personal isolation which exist in isolated communities - particularly in rural regions - to connect community members with each other, with their own potential for self-expression, and with working artists. The project offer access to the arts for people with limited exposure to professional contemporary dance; people whose exposure to dance is strictly commercial (through television and film); and people who view dance as a “feminine” or “urban” or “elitist” activity.

Through open community workshops leading toward a performance developed by CORA members and local community members, The Crossroads Project explores the universal themes of home, family, community to break down barriers between artists and community members. Workshops are open to any community member who wishes to enroll, and the activities are designed for everyone from experienced dance students to people with no knowledge of contemporary performance. While growth in movement ability is desirable, CORA first seeks to promote participants’ self-esteem and confidence in expanding their vision of the world and feeling pride in their own community. Participants are encouraged to discover the possibilities of dance in a judgment-free environment through exercises in journaling, improvisation, progressive movement and choreographic composition, the workshops aim to achieve the following:
• Make the art of dance less intimidating;
• Encourage self-expression;
• Reveal the power of dance to tell individual stories; and
• Provide a shared, community-wide experience of dance through performance and discussion.

Each residency culminates in a performance directed by Hummel and performed by CORA dancers and interested workshop participants (participants are not required to perform). The format in which the project develops in each community provides for the diversity of awareness and experiences on the part of workshop participants, as well as a diversity of forms for presentation—movement solos, group work, vocal work, text.

The project’s overall goals are:
• To introduce movement into the lives of those with limited exposure to dance, performance, and/or basic connection to their own bodies.
• To build access to and diminish fear of dance in small town and rural communities.
• To further the vision of art as a valuable resource for communication and outreach for all people, not only career artists.
• To promote the enjoyment of watching and participating in contemporary dance as a means of gaining an expanded view of the world through the arts.