Harnessing the Power of Dance to Heal

The Johnstown Concert Ballet’s DANCE WORKS is hosting a three-day program to promote the power of dance in creating health and well being. With funding from the Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance, the JCB is proud to bring movement experts from KAIROS Alive! to Johnstown. These instructors will offer invaluable expertise in the way of dance workshops and programs to support wellness in older residents.

The mission of KAIROS Alive! is to promote the joy of intergenerational dance and story, and to liberate its power to nurture and heal. Based in St. Paul, MN, KAIROS serves an expanded healthcare network and consults for the National Center for Creative Aging in Washington, DC.

Community and Wellness Residencies such as this are modeled after the award- winning Arts and Health and Aging programs featured in the PBS documentary Arts and the Mind. These programs support individual and community wellbeing for older adults and their intergenerational communities.

The program takes place over three days from September 27-29, and is FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:

Day 1 – Introduction:

Tuesday EVENING, September 27th – 6:30-8pm
BOTTLE WORKS Ethnic Arts Center, 411 Third Ave., Cambria City Johnstown
This evening is an introduction to KAIROS Alive!, outlining the use of participatory dance, music and story theater to promote health and social connectedness.
This will be of special interest to artists, caregivers, and members of the health care, social services and education professions.

Day 2 – Workshops:

Wednesday ALL DAY September 28th – 9am-1:30pm
BOTTLE WORKS Ethnic Arts Center, 411 Third Ave., Cambria City, Johnstown Wednesday is a full day of workshops. Morning sessions will be primarily working with family caregivers and health and social services professionals. Artists are invited to learn how to work with older adults facing physical and cognitive challenges. Afternoon sessions will concentrate on intergenerational involvement, with a focus on long-term caregivers and assisted living programs.

Participants in the full day of programming should bring a lunch.

Day 3 – Intergenerational Dance Hall:

Thursday EVENING September 29th – 6:30-8pm
Grande Halle, 306 Broad Street, Cambria City, Johnstown
Dance the night away to live music by a 6-piece band! Swing City performs at the Grande Halle for this dance party to celebrate everything we’ve learned over the last couple of days. The Dance Hall is a revival of the community intersection of artistic, physical and social interaction. This is where families and friends can come together in an inclusive, lively event, to dance and tell their stories. It is designed for all ages and abilities, ages 1-100, with elders at the center.

You’re invited to attend any or all of these events. Everyone with an interest in dance and wellness is welcome to participate.

The hope of the Johnstown Concert Ballet is that this residency will awaken our region to the possibilities and benefits of dance and movement – not just as an art form, but as a verifiable contributor to good health. Dance isn’t just for dancers. It’s for anyone who wants to feel empowered and healthy.

For more information call:
Rosemary Pawlowski, Dance Works consultant 814-243-2224

To learn more about KAIROS Alive! please visit their website: kairosalive.org