ANIKAYA

For those in Massachusetts with a keen interest in the performing arts, particularly dance that transcends conventional boundaries and fosters deep cultural connections, ANIKAYA stands as a truly unique and impactful organization in Somerville. Far more than just a dance studio, ANIKAYA is an artist-run non-profit dedicated to creating profound dance-theater performance works and conducting transformative workshops. Their mission is deeply rooted in the belief that movement, music, and storytelling can effectively break down perceived barriers between people, cultures, and art forms, cultivating what they call "kinesthetic empathy." For Massachusetts locals seeking engaging artistic experiences, opportunities for personal growth through movement, or simply a deeper connection to global narratives, ANIKAYA offers an unparalleled and enriching journey right here in our community.

Founded by acclaimed Artistic Director Wendy Jehlen, ANIKAYA's work is a testament to the power of movement as a universal language. Their approach involves weaving together diverse influences, from traditional forms like Bharata Natyam, Odissi, Capoeira, Kalaripayattu, and West African dance with contemporary movement forms, to create something entirely new and resonant. This unique blend allows for performances and workshops that are deeply rooted in heritage yet unbound by genre or geographical limitations. ANIKAYA's impact extends globally, with their work and workshops reaching countries across the US, Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America. However, their base in Somerville provides a crucial anchor for their community engagement here in Massachusetts, offering local residents a direct connection to this world-renowned "Dance Diplomacy." They are committed to being an artist-run, majority BIPOC organization, ensuring their projects are created by and for people of all genders, gender presentations, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities, embodying Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in action.

ANIKAYA is centrally located in Somerville, Massachusetts, at 67 Dane St, Somerville, MA 02143, USA. This address places the organization in a vibrant and accessible neighborhood within the greater Boston metropolitan area, making it convenient for Massachusetts residents to participate in their workshops and attend their performances.

Somerville's Dane Street offers good accessibility, with various transportation options available. For those traveling by car, there are often street parking opportunities in the vicinity, though it is always advisable to check local parking regulations. The area is also well-served by public transportation. The MBTA Green Line Extension (GLX) has significantly improved transit access to Somerville, with stations like Magoun Square or Union Square potentially being within a reasonable distance, offering direct connections to downtown Boston and other parts of the city. Additionally, numerous bus routes traverse Somerville, providing further convenience for visitors from neighboring towns and Boston proper. The location in Somerville, known for its thriving arts scene and community-oriented spirit, perfectly complements ANIKAYA's mission, embedding it within a supportive and culturally rich environment. This ease of access ensures that a wide array of Massachusetts residents can experience the transformative work offered by ANIKAYA, whether they are coming from within Somerville, other parts of Boston, or further afield in the Commonwealth.

ANIKAYA, through its overarching entity ANIKAYA/Akhra, Inc., offers a range of services centered around movement, performance, and community engagement, driven by a mission of "kinesthetic empathy."

• Dance-Theater Performance Works: ANIKAYA is primarily known for creating, producing, and touring innovative movement theater works. These performances intricately weave together music, dance, and storytelling, drawing from a wide range of global traditions and contemporary forms to create unique and thought-provoking experiences.
• Workshops for All Ages and Abilities: In conjunction with their performance projects, ANIKAYA offers workshops designed for people of all ages and abilities. These workshops focus on movement, self-discovery, and fostering connections between participants, aiming to build collaborative skills and group cohesion. They are known for engaging participants in exercises drawing on diverse movement practices.
• Community Engagement Programs: A core aspect of ANIKAYA's work involves deep community engagement. Their programming operates on individual, interpersonal, and community-wide bases, often starting with community-building before and after in-person activities. These workshops can also be tailored to build capacity within communities, organizations, and corporations to create cooperative cultures.
• Cross-Cultural Collaborations: ANIKAYA actively brings together voices and perspectives from across the globe, collaborating with international artists who are experts in their respective fields. This method results in works that are rich in diverse cultural influences and represent a "horizontal leadership" structure.
• Inclusive Artistic Creation: As an artist-run, majority BIPOC organization, ANIKAYA ensures that all projects are created by and for people of all genders and gender presentations, people of color from the U.S. and around the world, LGBTQIA+ people, and people with disabilities. Their work is a living example of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Dance Diplomacy Initiatives: Artistic Director Wendy Jehlen's practice of conducting workshops, collaborations, and performances worldwide is collectively termed "Dance Diplomacy," reflecting ANIKAYA's commitment to breaking down boundaries through embodied practice.
• Unique Movement Vocabulary Development: ANIKAYA incorporates traditional forms, internalizing them and allowing them to re-emerge as part of a new, distinct movement vocabulary. This results in work that is resonant of deep-rooted traditions but not bound to any particular genre, place, or practice.

ANIKAYA stands out for several key features and highlights that exemplify its unique contribution to the arts and community, both locally in Massachusetts and globally.

• "Kinesthetic Empathy" as a Core Principle: ANIKAYA's foundational concept of "kinesthetic empathy" is a powerful highlight. It's an innovative approach that uses movement to help individuals understand and connect with others on a deeper, more embodied level, breaking down perceived boundaries between people and cultures.
• Globally Influenced, Locally Rooted: While their work and collaborations span across continents (including Benin, Brazil, India, Japan, and Turkey), ANIKAYA maintains a strong presence and commitment to community engagement in Somerville, Massachusetts. This global perspective enriches the local artistic landscape.
• Pioneering Cross-Cultural Dance-Theater: The organization is renowned for its groundbreaking dance-theater performances that seamlessly weave together diverse music, dance, and storytelling traditions. Works like "The Women Gather" and "Conference of the Birds" exemplify their ability to create deeply meaningful and aesthetically striking narratives that explore universal human experiences through varied cultural lenses.
• Inclusivity and Diversity as Action: ANIKAYA is not just diverse in concept; it's diverse in practice. As an artist-run, majority BIPOC organization, they actively create projects by and for individuals of all genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and abilities. Their "horizontal leadership" structure further empowers artists from diverse backgrounds.
• Empowering Workshops for All: Their workshops are designed to be accessible and beneficial for "people of all ages and abilities." They aim to build collaborative skills and foster group cohesion, demonstrating how movement can be a catalyst for community building and positive discussion.
• Artistic Director Wendy Jehlen's Vision: The vision and unique choreographic approach of Artistic Director Wendy Jehlen, who blends elements from Bharata Natyam, Odissi, Capoeira, Kalaripayattu, West African dance, and Butoh, are central to ANIKAYA's distinct identity and innovative creations.
• Resonance of Deep-Rooted Traditions: ANIKAYA's performances are celebrated for being "resonant of deep-rooted traditions, without being bound to any particular genre, place or practice," indicating a profound respect for cultural heritage while pushing artistic boundaries.

For those in Somerville and the wider Massachusetts community interested in learning more about ANIKAYA's transformative dance-theater and workshops, here is their contact information:

Address: 67 Dane St, Somerville, MA 02143, USA

Phone: (617) 861-7930

For residents across Massachusetts, particularly those in the vibrant Greater Boston area, ANIKAYA in Somerville represents a compelling and essential cultural resource. Its suitability for locals is rooted in its profound mission, innovative artistic approach, and unwavering commitment to community engagement. This is not just a performance company; it is a catalyst for understanding, empathy, and connection through the universal language of movement.

In a diverse state like Massachusetts, ANIKAYA’s focus on "kinesthetic empathy" and breaking down boundaries between people and cultures through embodied practice is particularly relevant. It offers local audiences and participants a unique opportunity to experience global narratives and diverse artistic traditions, enriching their cultural understanding without having to travel far from home. The workshops, designed for "people of all ages and abilities," provide an accessible entry point for anyone to explore movement, build self-discovery, and connect with others in a meaningful way. This inclusive approach ensures that the transformative power of dance is available to a wide cross-section of the Massachusetts population.

Furthermore, as an artist-run, majority BIPOC organization, ANIKAYA actively embodies the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This commitment means that their performances and community programs reflect a rich tapestry of voices and experiences, providing authentic representation that resonates with the diverse demographics of Massachusetts. By supporting ANIKAYA, locals are not only engaging with world-class artistry but also contributing to an organization that actively promotes social change and intercultural dialogue. For anyone in Massachusetts seeking a truly enriching, thought-provoking, and deeply human artistic experience, ANIKAYA offers a unique and invaluable contribution to the local cultural landscape.

ANIKAYA

67 Dane St, Somerville, MA 02143, USA