Mental Health and Tikkun Olam
Mental Health and Tikkun Olam is a work in progress inspired by an interview of Renee Grimani-Kardener, and sparked by the tireless work of domestic care workers who take care of our loved ones. The concept of Tikkun Olam, first brought to Artistic Director Claudine Naganuma’s attention by Grimani-Kardener, is a Hebrew phrase that means “repairing the world”. This suggests humanity’s shared responsibility to heal, repair and transform. This dance is an exploration of the concepts found in her interview, including healthcare, end-of-life care, insurance, financial implications, power, greed, mental health and healing.
Dancers
Bebe Aronson, Yael Berrol, Martha Friedberg, Michelle Johnston, Ellie Kerwin, Leila Massoudi, Cathy Quides, Sylvie Rodgers and Charlotte Sielewicz
Renee Grimani-Kardener: Interview
Dancers with Parkinson’s
Martha Friedberg has been practicing immigration law in Oakland since graduating from Golden Gate University Law School in 1978. Presently, she is working less and dancing more. As a child, Martha took ballet classes on Long Island, and over the years dabbled with other forms of dance, although she never performed before having Parkinson’s. Martha is grateful for our PD Active community, the wonderful, whimsical PD Dance classes, and the opportunity to dance with dNaga’s sparkling dancers, young and old.
Michelle Johnston was born and raised in Scotland where she began learning Scottish country dancing as part of her elementary school curriculum, as Scottish country dancing is an integral part of the culture. After settling in California 40 years ago she became a Nurse-Midwife and a Mum, and dancing faded out of her life. Recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, she was encouraged to join Claudine in dNaga and is now exploring dance and movement in ways she had never dreamed of. Working with young dancers and others with Parkinson’s has helped her to have courage in creating a new way of moving in the world.
Cathy Quides has spent the last twenty plus years working as a pediatric nurse practitioner for patients with developmental disabilities. The courage and dignity with which her patients and their families and caregivers face the challenges they encounter inspire her as she begins her journey as a person with Parkinson’s. Also inspirational to her are those in her Dance for PD class guided by the wonderfully talented and enthusiastic Claudine. Growing up, Cathy wanted to study dance but the opportunity escaped her. Now, since dancing regularly with the Dance for PD folks she feels she is finally fulfilling her childhood dancing dream. The privilege of performing with dNaga is icing on the cake and she is very grateful for the opportunity.
