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In 1994, a very unique and exciting project began within the California State Juvenile Justice system. Known as the “Movement Works Project,” classes in dance, performance, poetry and yoga were offered to the incarcerated population at Central Juvenile Hall. The aim of this project was to provide an outlet for the creative process to lead to new and positive levels of consciousness for both at-risk youths and incarcerated adults.
The Movement Works Project embodies the philosophy that the arts can inspire the participants to nurture self-esteem and discipline for themselves, while recognizing that they are part of an interconnected community. The inspiration behind this project and its founder is Sukha, a teacher/choreographer with a passion for encouraging social change through community involvement. As a dancer, Sukha has always found passion in moving her body. Her travels around the world have exposed her to the benefits of Pilates, Feldenkreis and yoga. It is this passion for movement and expression that led to the creation of the Movement Works Project, which began as a one-time project to choreograph a dance piece for teenage girls in the Los Angeles Juvenile detention hall.
During the first few encounters, Sukha was met with skepticism and suspicion from the girls. But over time, her perseverance and commitment won out and a strong relationship developed between Sukha and the girls. The program was off and running.
As interest in the Movement Works Project grew, the program developed into its present incarnation as an arts program for incarcerated adult males in the California Penal system. Some of the unique projects that have been developed with the inmates include an all male version of the Nutcracker performed by the inmates at Jamestown prison, as well as poetry readings and art showings.
Rival gangs at a northern California prison created the project that Sukha is most proud of. These sworn enemies created a spoken word musical based on tales from North Sea mythology that told of the challenges and rivalries created when people claim a spot as their own. This theme was highly relevant to the gang members considering the years of hatred that had passed between them. During the performance at the prison, fellow inmates were so inspired they began to sing along to the performance creating a moving experience that bonded many of the men. According to Sukha, “the walls and obstacles that separate us also create huge portals to connect.”
One of the most significant obstacles Sukha has faced in her work with the project is the daunting amount of rules and regulations that are present in the penal system. Finding a way to balance the necessary freedom of artistic expression within the parameters of government regulations is always a work in progress. Sukha often finds a way around these roadblocks by “allowing people to exist outside of who they are expected to be.” Many wardens and guards have become advocates for the Movement Works Project, a program they initially rejected.
This project started as and remains the passion of one woman. It was designed to integrate her spiritual and world beliefs with the strength of what the individual can accomplish. Her drive to continue this work is contagious and Sukha’s intention is that by continuing this work it will enrich not only her own life experience but also those of the inmates she comes in contact with along the way.
In an effort to support this worthwhile cause, friends of the Movement Works Project have organized a fundraiser to be held later this month. An exciting evening filled with performance, poetry and music, inspired by the themes of incarceration and freedom along with a silent auction of works by esteemed Los Angeles artists. The fundraiser will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2005, at South La Brea Gallery located at 208 S. La Brea Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90301, and will run from 7 to10PM.
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