“A deep sense of love and belonging is an irreducible need of all people. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong.” - Brené Brown
Stories in the Moment for ALL
Channeling creativity to enhance person-centered community
STORIES IN THE MOMENT™ is an evidence-informed program that combines dance, movement and storytelling to shape a creative environment where participants can share their voices, move their bodies and build creative community.
Stories in the Moment™ is built on the principle that all of us, regardless of our modes of cognition, have stories to tell and that we all have the means to tell those stories. The program was initially created for and with people living with dementia and care partners with the intention to mobilize the vehicle of dance to expand meaningful connection, expression and community. It became clear that other communities could benefit from the model and approach utilized in Stories in the Moment™. Stories in the Moment™ for All grew out of this realization.
The tools and framework of Stories in the Moment™ for All mobilize all of the ways we connect and communicate, through sound, music, imagery, touch and imagination to explore connections between movement and meaning. Additionally, Stories in the Moment™ for All incorporates personalized fitness activities that spark brain health, while collectively building spaces of heightened belonging. Together we bring our minds and bodies together to build stories in the moment.
Learn more!
Watch this video from a collaboration with Simon Fraser University - Brain Health in Community Project to learn more about the program.
Learn more about what people are saying about Stories in the Moment™ for ALL:
In 2022, we joined Professor Daniel Gan as part of the Simon Fraser University - Brain Health in Community Project. As part of the project, elders from the Vancouver community joined online and in person activities based on their interests. This project served as a form of social prescribing directed for older adults to support their brain health.
As one of the programs, participants joined the Stories in the Moment for ALL dance program online. Watch the video below to hear reflections from select participants on the impact of this program.
Stories in the Moment for ALL brings NYC elders together
Spring 2023, we joined together with Pioneers Go East Collective and the Sirovich Center for Balanced Living to offer a 5 month series of the Stories in the Moment for ALL dance program, supported through a SU-CASA grant from the NYC City Council, Department of Cultural Affairs and Department for the Aging.
Over 55 community elders connected with lead artist, Magda Kaczmarska and PGEC artists to co-create choreography centering themes of belonging as an action.
The program culminated with a community event, which was attended by 50+ audience members of all ages. The performance featured choreography co-created by the performers (21 in total: 17 elders and 4 artists) as well as as interactive improvised dance score featuring invitations of connection delivered using origami paper hearts, a group dance poem and folk dance.
Audience and community members were also invited to reflect on the meaning of belonging and share their reflections on a pin board, which was prominent in the center after the event.