Gratitude is a universal language, shaped by culture, tradition, history, and space. Its expression takes countless forms– some bow in deep reverence, others place a hand over the heart. A quiet nod or soft smile might convey appreciation, while joyous songs or dances do the same elsewhere. In Native traditions, gratitude is intimately tied to the land and its cycles, where giving thanks is not merely a gesture but a living relationship with the earth. For many Native peoples, gratitude compels giving, not just to show appreciation, but to ensure abundance continues for future generations.
Amidst our gratitude at Earthdance, on Nipmuc land, we acknowledge that Thanksgiving is a reminder of the genocide of Native peoples, the theft of Native lands, and the ongoing ethnocide, the destruction of Indigenous cultures. As we gather, we may also feel sorrow for our disconnection from this reality, from the Earth, and from the loss of biodiversity. Our practice here is one of both gratitude and reflection, honoring the joy of connection alongside the grief for what has been lost.
Through the practice of contact improvisation, we will explore how to connect to somatic awareness, questions, disorientation, and gravity, letting movement reflect both individuality and connection to the earth’s ancient rhythms. As we transition into stick season, the time when the leaves have fallen and winter approaches, we welcome you to come together in dance, attunement, study, witnessing, resting, sharing meals, and creating warmth together in community.
50% of the profits from this jam will go to the Ohketeau Cultural Center.
What is a CoCo Jam?
Community Collaborative Jams are a new and unfolding program concept at Earthdance which launched in early 2022. This new programming thread was driven by the desire for more opportunities to dance CI and to connect with the community in smaller containers. Similar to Seasonal Jams, the CoCo jam has one or more hosts that, rather than always being professional artists with strong facilitation skills, can be dedicated Earthdance community members and upcoming dancers building their leadership skills. Support staff is also more limited compared to our seasonal jams and participants are invited into a higher degree of autonomy and self care. Similarly, the workshop offerings and schedule are also more influenced by the community members themselves and created on a more adhoc basis.
In preparation for attending a CoCo jam, you may want to ask yourself: What are you currently researching or inspired to offer? Is there something you hope to lab, share, or play with?
Jam Details
- An average of 40-60 people will attend this COCO jam and is open to all movement levels & backgrounds.
- We will offer a single day drop-in option on Saturday, November 30th for folks who have been to Earthdance before.
- If you have never been to Earthdance, we ask that you only sign up for either Thanksgiving Day, the full jam or Friday through Sunday option. This will allow us to better welcome you and orient you to Earthdance during our Opening Circle on Friday, November 29th at 10am.
- If you are planning to attend Thanksgiving Potluck dinner, and you have registered, we will send out a shared document for folks to coordinate dishes to bring. We will start dinner at 5pm.
- This will be a very self motivated jam, bring your ideas! Be ready to co-create! – We will send out a shared document for folks to fill out who would like to offer something during this co-creation weekend when you register.
Arrival, Onsite Check-In, Opening Circle, and Departures.
- Thanksgiving Potluck: Arrival/Check-In on Thursday, November 28th from 4-7pm front of the Farmhouse. Potluck is at 6-7pm.
- Opening Circle: Friday, November 29th at 10am.
- Friday-Sunday Jam: Arrival/Check-In on Friday, November 28th from 8-10am front of the Farmhouse.
- Saturday Drop-In (Only for folks who’ve been to Earthdance before): Arrive Saturday, November 30th starting 8am. Departure at 10pm day of.
- Final Clean: Sunday, December 1st at 2-3pm. Lunch 1-2pm.
- Departure: All participants will depart after the final group clean at 3pm on Sunday, December 1st.
Our Fees Explained
Earthdance offers a sliding scale payment for participation in this event, please take a moment to reflect as you decide on where you best fit.
Your level of contribution is self selected and does not need to be advocated for. However, we invite you to remember this contribution is currency and we ask that you stretch where you are able so that those who cannot stretch as far of a financial distance may also have potential access to community events. As you choose your rate please consider the following factors:
- Your access to income and wealth, as connected to family and partnership, both currently and anticipated in the future.
- The historical, systemic impacts of wealth accrual based on culture, race and other intersection marginalizations for you and your family.
- The regional ease of your attendance, while some community members can drive to Earthdance, others will need to consider tuition based on their ability to travel longer distances.
PRICING
FULL JAM – THURSDAY 28th – SUNDAY 1st
Financially Wealthy -$650
Financially Abundant – $500
Financially Stable – $400
Financially Coping – $325
Financially Strained – $275
PARTIAL JAM – FRIDAY 29th – SUNDAY 1st
Financially Wealthy -$575
Financially Abundant – $450
Financially Stable – $350
Financially Coping – $275
Financially Strained – $225
CAMPING
$20 discount
COMMUTING
$40 Discount
DROP-IN DAYS:
THURSDAY 28th – THANKSGIVING POTLUCK + JAM ONLY
Financially Wealthy -$400
Financially Abundant – $220
Financially Stable – $120
Financially Coping – $60
Financially Strained – $35
SATURDAY 30th DROP-IN ONLY
Financially Wealthy – $450
Financially Abundant – $300
Financially Stable – $200
Financially Coping – $125
Financially Strained – $85
Equity & Access Tickets
Although we’re not able to offer any full scholarships this year, we’re excited to offer up to 4 Discounted Tickets to individuals who feel part of an underrepresented and/or marginalized group in CI and have a relationship with CI. We know that for those who come from marginalized populations showing up to spaces filled with primarily privileged groups can be a challenge, and can feel vulnerable.
Apply HERE! Application deadline is November 14th.
For those who do not identify as marginalized and are in a represented group of CI, we invite you to stretch in your payment to help support those who cannot stretch and create a more diverse jam experience for all.
Note: While Earthdance is making efforts to better support Equity & Access at all its events, the jam offers particularly strong support for diversity, equity, and inclusion through:
- Reduced pricing offered to people self-identifying as being underrepresented and/or marginalized in CI.
- Classes and discussions that aim to bring up the level of awareness and inclusion at the jam as a whole
- Affinity spaces (jams, discussions, etc.) for particular groups of people to connect, share CI space together, and rest from the pressures of being in a minority status at the jam.
Housing Options
Gratitude Lodge at Earthdance Tickets
Includes a bed in the Gratitude Lodge, Jam offerings, and food during the jam.
The Gratitude Lodge (a.k.a. the Earthdance dorm) is the main lodging facility, connected to the Farmhouse by a short wooded trail. The lodge includes large and small rooms featuring dormitory-style bunks and beds (twin & queen size) and is included in the base Jam cost. Beds are available on a first come basis.
Camping Tickets
Includes a spot to camp at Earthdance, Jam offerings, and food during the jam.
Commuter Tickets
You will have access to the Jam offerings including food for the event.
Commuter Health Care: We ask that you please use caution when commuting and limit, if possible, to just commuting to and from your home and Earthdance, staying away from large crowds to maintain the health and well being of the other jam participants.
Nine Mountain
Beds are available at Nine Mountain across from the orchard. Please contact Robyn at robyn@ninemountain.com to reserve a bed. This is an additional cost to purchasing a ticket for the jam.
Cancellation Policy
Refund available up to 14 days (November 14th) before the event less a $75 processing fee.
No refunds available less than 14 days (After November 14th) from the start of the event.
Partial refunds might be given if a cancellation takes place under extenuating circumstances (e.g. a death of a 1st or 2nd degree family member, serious non-preventable illness or accident requiring hospitalization). Refunds in such cases remain at the discretion of the local organizers and will be decided on a case to case basis according to the timing of the cancellation and other factors. We do not offer refunds if you catch a cold, the flu or COVID after the cancellation date.
Health Precautions
No specific requirements on vaccination status are needed to attend this event. Please take adequate measures to limit your exposure in the days before. If you are feeling sick, or have a known close exposure to someone with COVID in the past 5 days, please sit this one out to keep the community well.
Participant Community Support
Earthdance runs as a community, thus part of the participation is that all individuals contribute to 1-2 work shifts (typically meal cleans) throughout the event and participate in a final house clean on the last day of the event. These are great ways to connect more with your fellow participants and Earthdance staff, and to feel more at home in the Earthdance buildings & grounds. Your contributions to this collective caring of this space are invaluable!
Earthdance’s buildings are ADA accessible. More info here.
HOST BIOS
Paris Cullen
Paris is a movement artist, performer, and self-proclaimed contact improvisation nerd. Obsessed with falling, resistance, momentum, gravity, disruption, and mutual support, they’re interested in CI as a question, a queer practice, and a way of world building. P has been hosting the NYC queer jam and teaching since 2022. They’re grateful to the teachers and guides they’ve studied with including Defne Erdur, Anya Cloud, Paul Singh, Ishmael Houston-Jones, Keith Hennessy, Nita Little, and the friends/collaborators who teach them so much– they would not be here without them!!
Zohaib Malik
Zohaib is a cross-cultural artist, human activist, and multipotentialite who has spent years exploring diverse cultures, gaining profound insights into the complexities of the human experience. He integrates a range of movement practices, such as Iyengar yoga, contemporary dance, and contact improvisation into his performances. Weaving storytelling into the flow of life, he fosters meaningful connections that bridge the personal and collective experience, nurturing change and unity among individuals. Zohaib spent three years living like a monk at a meditation center, where he helped train volunteers and supported hundreds of participants in their mindfulness journeys. His spiritual practice deepened through engagement with various masters globally, embracing the shared struggles and triumphs of humanity. From creating welcoming spaces through art projects in Norway to promoting eco-sustainability in New Zealand, his community work is aimed at cultivating a sense of belonging. Devoted to continuous learning, Zohaib approaches each opportunity with an open heart, believing that creativity, connection, and empathy are essential to understanding and celebrating the diverse tapestry of life. Looking ahead, he aims to empower others to realize their potential and contribute to the world in their unique ways.