Introducing
Pathways to Recovery
A collaboration with One Life Counseling, engaging PTSD patients in movement therapy classes to conduct research and choreograph a new body of work exploring PTSD and the pathways to recovery from the disorder.
About
Mission
Pathways to Recovery is a study of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), how the body stores trauma, and the pathways to overcome automated responses. Nearly 30% of persons suffering from a mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic have PTSD. An estimated one in 11 people will be diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetime. This collaboration aims to address this global struggle through a study of its current manifestations and the rich implications that can resonate more broadly in the PTSD community.
Vision
Working alongside One Life Counseling, ZiRu will offer Move and Release, movement therapy classes tailored to individuals suffering from PTSD, both as a result of COVID-19 and more broadly. Over several months, these classes will serve as a source of movement exploration, verbal conversation, and interaction between patients and therapists at One Life and ZiRu. Through these classes, choreographic material will be created to form a full-length work.
In Fall of 2023, ZiRu will present Pathways to Recovery as the headliner of a full evening of dance centered on the theme of healing from trauma. Long-time ZiRu Dance collaborator, Areta Wang, will collaborate on the body of work as it builds, interjecting her personal story as another layer of the project. Areta is a disabled visual artist who suffers from PTSD as a result of her debilitating physical conditions. Her artwork will contribute substantially to the set design and physical structure of the performing space.
Collaborators
One Life Counseling Center
One Life Counseling, based in San Carlos, is a non-profit organization of skilled therapists and change agents who aim to inspire, educate and provide accessible counseling for anyone who needs it at any cost. They provide innovative counseling, training and seminars for anyone seeking to live a purposeful and inspired life. One Life also provides tailored community-based programs to reach people more directly including projects with senior citizens and the Boys and Girls Club.
Areta Wang
Areta Wang is a Female Minority Visual Artist who has overcome many challenging obstacles with Disability and Illness since 2008. Her art is informed by her in-depth study of human movement and the aesthetics and mechanics of action and expression and her study of physical therapeutic art. Even as injury and illness turned her sights to exploring the body and life anew, she continued expressing her internal drive and passion for movement onto canvas with paint and brush and digital art.
A Special Thank you to the Creative Work Fund. and California Arts Council. This would not be possible without your support.
