With support from the California Arts Council, Syzygy Dance Project will provide dance classes for diverse, multi-generational women in addiction recovery in Berkeley. The two weekly classes will offer participants an opportunity to express themselves creatively, connect with others, and develop new strategies to prevent relapse. Funds will also support a community event, which will spark cross-cultural connection and inspire dialogue in the broader community around addiction and homelessness.
Since 2010, SDP has served nearly 8,000 people from underserved communities. We bring the arts, creative expression and joy to people who have been left behind in various ways. Our programs utilize mind-body approaches, dance, and movement to facilitate self-exploration, self-awareness, empowerment, and the commitment to positive change. Rather than teach specific dance steps, we help people locate the stories, emotions, and tensions that are held within their bodies through creative movement exercises, and release them.
Syzygy Dance Project classes address physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual components through movement and dance. While the physical benefits of movement and dance are well-recognized, our classes stand out because each participant is invited to participate at his/her own pace. Our approach allows participants to release stress, let go of negative thoughts, play with creativity and imagination, and strengthen their memory and nervous system responses.

