Mom & Me: Martha & Emilia

dNaga's PEACE Project; finding peace while living with Parkinson's disease.

This dance was filmed in the Fall of 2019 with intentions to present the work as part of an evening length work entitled “Mom and Me.” The shelter in place order due to COVID-19 prevented us from finishing the work. We want to thank Martha and Emilia for their time, energy, and flexibility.

Performed by Emilia and Martha Friedberg, with Shosi Black and Ellie Kerwin
Interview of Emilia Friedberg
Artistic Direction by Claudine Naganuma
Original sound by Joel Davel

Filmed at Danspace in Oakland, CA.

Emilia Friedberg was born and raised in Oakland. As a child, she loved to swim, romp around in unitards and eat fruit straight off the trees and vines. Her eyes were opened to the world with travels as a youngster, thanks to her mother, and expanded through college in LA with two study abroad experiences as well as further international adventures postgrad. Emilia is now an occupational therapist, yoga instructor and reiki healer in San Luis Obispo who loves bikes, yoga, rock climbing and creating herbal concoctions.

Martha Friedberg is now retired from her 40-year immigration law practice in Oakland. As a child, she took ballet classes and over the years has enjoyed dabbling in other forms of dance including modern, Indian and salsa although, ironically, she never performed until having Parkinson’s. Martha was diagnosed with PD in 2010, and strives to face its challenges with courage, grace and grit. She is honored to be a part of our wonderful, whimsical dNaga dance company and Dance for PD classes.