Short Answer.... A Community Leader of Movement(s).

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Long Answer.....

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Choregos was an elected official in Greek society whose job it was to organize and prepare the chorus. It was a political and financial role at a time when the government valued art, theater, movement and dancing as essential to the success of a community. This nominated citizen was often wealthy or able to gather wealth easily, because of course producing an event of any kind has its associated costs. 

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But the Choregos was so much more than the funder. This role motivated the community to participate in art by fully investing in the very people for whom the production benefits. The lead actors, who were also paid by the government, needed a large Greek Chorus to make the productions full scale and able to draw in a crowd. So the Choregos gathered the people, got them costumes, made their props, created the dance steps, organized everything for the sake of the success of the production. 

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And of course, the community itself is a reflection of its art. A joyous production with fulfilled community members is how we can all learn, grow, and enjoy life together. 

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I identify strongly with this position in democracy, though admittedly I was not nominated for the role nor am I able to get everyone costumes. But here's what I CAN do.

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Generate movement. At the center of it all, we are all navigating our way. A choreographer can find pathways and patterns, shapes and rhythms, tempos, gestures, techniques & mechanics in movement. We set movement to bring attention to the moment. 

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But a choreographer must also be a producer, as the choregos was. We must know how to make things happen. To be clever and creative to ensure the presentation of art, which in Greece was to contribute to betterment of the democratic process.

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And then, of course, a choreographer must be an educator. The ability to instruct a community member to use their mind & body in such a way that they feel pride in themselves. That they love themselves for what they are able to overcome and showcase.

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My pedagogy is simple. The mind/body relationship is symbiotic, and that connection is fostered by actively and intentionally working on both simultaneously. When an individual experiences a satisfying mind/body relationship, their performance (both literally and metaphorically) is more fulfilling both to the audience and performer.

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My methods use a trained technical eye, a deeply empathetic intuition, kindness & positive reinforcement. My guiding values are mutual trust and respect, a deeply democratic need to serve the people, and accessing joy and peace through movement grooves. I work with people of all ages, but my specialty is teenagers. I find them eager and teachable, vulnerable and delicate, and in desperate need of the truth about themselves and their bodies, no matter what activities they participate in.

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I offer Private Pilates & Movement Education Sessions at my studio, Groove Pilates. I see clients as young as 8 years old through advanced age, and can see families as a group or individually.

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I am available for professional choreography services including musical theater, live productions, community events, dance films and music videos. 

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I volunteer to take on young artists as mentees, because I believe in our future. 

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So, any and all are welcome to experience my chorus. Did I mention, the Choregos also hosted a Bacchus style event to celebrate art, joy and community? You can count on me to deliver.

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With gratitude,

Jess

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