If You Go For more details on Big Woods Movement Collective’s Canopy Jam 2024, log onto the website: https://www.bigwoodscollective.org/canopy-jam. cc6848e4-6951-45ee-b1be-9de3bfdcd76d
Big Woods Movement Collective is preparing to host its second annual Canopy Jam, held this summer on Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21 at two different Northfield locations.
Shari Setchell, the new executive and artistic director of Big Woods Movement Collective along with her partner in movement Jenaveve Bell-Pittman, explained that the festival, which is free and open to the public, celebrates movement, yoga and live music.
The two-day festival, which begins with an opening ceremony on Saturday at the Northfield Depot at 10 a.m. will offer gentle yoga at 10:30 a.m., a dance performance at 11:45 a.m., and live music by Barbara Piper at 12:30 p.m. At 1:30 p.m. another performance titled “There is no ground” explores music and movement. At 2:45 p.m. there will be a dance jam featuring live drumming by Bjudelhoflund, followed by Randy Ferguson’s multi-instrumental music at 4 p.m. and a final yin yoga session at 5:30 p.m.
On Sunday, the festival continues at Salvatierra Farms, 8400 Baldwin Ave., Northfield, with forest yoga at 11:30 a.m., a 1 p.m. performance by Little Fish Improv!, followed by Ecstatic Dance Jam at 4 p.m. featuring DJ Gabriela, and a closing ceremony capping off the event at 5 p.m.
“We have a message and a mission for the community,” said Setchell. We’re born with a body that was built to move. Whether you’re a teen or a senior in a wheelchair or pushing a walker, anybody can dance.”
She added that not everybody has to dance to be able to enjoy this year’s jam. Everyone is invited to enjoy the dances, music and improvisation by simply watching.
“Movement is our primal form of expression,” she said. “It’s an ancient art form that gives us joy, reduces anxiety and bring all of our senses into play. My theme is to just be present.”
Setchell said the collective group of performers are mostly all teachers who emphasize through their art and through their movements how much they love what they’re doing.
The Omaha native said she started taking ballet and tap lessons when she was three years old. Her movement and creative progression began with musical theater in high school and at All-State Theater Camp. Later on, she added ballroom dancing lto her set of stage skills.
Asked about her favorite roles from the scores of musical productions she’s been cast in, Setchell said she especially loved playing Elsa in “The Sound of Music,” playing Carla in “Nine” playing Yitzhak in “Hedwig and the Angry Itch” and playing Janet in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
From downtown to farm
Amy Haslett-Marroquin from Salvatierra Farms, who is also on the Big Woods Movement Collective board, said that Salvatierra Farm is excited to be hosting a day of Canopy Jam again this year. “Last year at Canopy Jam was the first time I had ever done yoga in the woods and it was a little magical,” said Haslett-Marroquin. “Our farm hopes to continue to collaborate with Big Woods Movement Collective and other artistic ventures as we establish our presence in the Northfield community.”
Martha Larson from the HotSpot, who is performing with others, said she was so grateful to the Big Woods Movement Collective for highlighting the healing and restorative power of dance and movement through such a welcoming and inclusive approach. “Canopy Jam presents a wonderful, multi-faceted opportunity to experience their mission of ‘using the lens of dance and movement-based methods to bring about a healthier way of living and being in our bodies, minds and spirits,’” said Larson.
“The 2023 inaugural event had a profound impact on my own artistic explorations, and Shari Setchell’s influence continues to serve as a source of inspiration,” she said. “She [Setchell] is a true gift to the community and Canopy Jam offers an open window into her world.”
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