Justice Dance Performance Project

Moving for Change Since 1989.
JDPP Dancer Lisa Matias hugs tree

On May 7, we completed the seasonal cycle of In the Presence of Trees, developing four incarnations of the piece inspired by the trees in Bushnell Park; Farmington River Park in Bloomfield; Keney Park; and returning for the concluding segment in Bushnell Park celebrating spring.

The making and performing process went a full circle, a completion in a time begun in the pandemic that was graced by the spirit of the trees and the creative energy they catalyzed, then shared with audiences to communicate their wisdom and model of community, and to advocate for the importance of nurturing and cherishing them and growing their abundance, especially in tree-scarce urban areas.

Trees are healing, trees are beautiful, and trees make an irreplaceable contribution to the environment. This experience of creating inspired by trees opened my eyes and heart in so many unexpected and beautiful ways. I thought I knew and appreciated trees only to realize how much I had to learn.

Trees cannot cry out about the urgent necessity to preserve them—at least not in ways that people readily understand. But we can. And we can learn to be caring communities in the ways that trees already are. The turbulence in our country right now is a testament to how much we have yet to learn.

Full cycles don’t have to mean endings. Cycles multiply, they rejuvenate, they repeat in new ways, they start fresh. Let’s see this closing cycle for In the Presence of Trees as a new beginning—for ourselves and our communities. Let’s not just say we enjoy trees—let’s work together for their preservation growth.

Check out these organizations for ways that you can help:


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Justice Dance Performance Project, Inc.

Justice Dance Performance Project, Inc.

Moving for Change Since 1989

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Yesterday we were filled with joy watching Tyran, who is a past program participant and current performer and teaching artist with JDPP, receive recognition as part of his work with Community Renewal Team’s HEARTeam. This team works with the city of Hartford’s police, EMS, and fire department to respond to non-violent emergency calls for individuals with emotional distress. We are so proud of Tyran! ... See MoreSee Less

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Fantastic news! Congratulations, Tyran!

This is fantastic! A well deserved award to an extraordinary individual! Way to go Tyran!!

Great job Tyran!

👏👏👏

We are all set up and ready to begin our family friendly activities! Cone join us at Bushnell Park for an afternoon of art! Everything is free! ... See MoreSee Less

It's National Teacher Appreciation Day! We love our talented, kind, creative, and inspiring Teaching Artists!! ... See MoreSee Less

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How awesome!

Meghan McDermott ❤️

It’s Arbor Day! Get outside today and spend a little time amongst the trees and then join us May 7 to extend the celebration of trees as we head back to Bushnell Park for the culmination of our In the Presence of Trees series! For more info: give.jdpp.org/event/in-the-presence-of-trees-spring/e412946 ... See MoreSee Less

It’s Arbor Day! Get outside today and spend a little time amongst the trees and then join us May 7 to extend the celebration of trees as we head back to Bushnell Park for the culmination of our In the Presence of Trees series! For more info: https://give.jdpp.org/event/in-the-presence-of-trees-spring/e412946
An exciting upcoming event at Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art!Image attachment

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JDPP, Inc. is a 501c(3) organization.

Our Funders and Sponsors


Funders:     Beatrice Fox Auerbach Foundation Fund at Hartford Foundation for Public Giving     The Darlene J Bailey Charitable Trust through Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund                         J. Walton Bissell Foundation, Inc.                    Digel Family Foundation     Ensworth Charitable Foundation               Ellen Jeanne Goldfarb Memorial Charitable Trust through Trinity College               Isabella's Pink Bus     George A. and Grace L. Long Foundation          Sharon R. O’Meara Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving     Stewart B. McKinney Foundation                         Charles Nelson Robinson Fund               Watkinson Prisoners Aid Society               Sponsors:     BlumShapiro     Budwitz & Meyerjack P.C.     Hardman Law Offices     GeoQuest, Inc.     Roger’s Fine Liquors     Yankee Discount Liquor     … and a huge THANK YOU to the many Friends who have supported JDPP over the years!

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