soma anima arts (Kinesis Dance Society), under the artistic direction of Rachel Helten, is dedicated to creating embodied, interdisciplinary dance works that foster empathy, connection, and transformation. Our personal mandate is to cultivate artistic experiences that deepen relationships with self, others, and the natural world through movement-based practices. With a focus on holistic, ecological and somatic approaches to dance-making, with a commitment to community engagement, our work often explores themes of care, interconnection, and resilience.
soma anima arts engages with local communities through workshops, performances, and collaborative processes that center accessibility and inclusivity. We facilitate movement sessions in community centres, outdoor public spaces, and educational settings, creating space for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect through dance. Our projects—such as Artemis’ Embrace and Bright Shadow— invite community voices into the creative process, fostering meaningful dialogue and shared expression. Through these experiences, we aim to bridge professional artistic practice with community engagement, enriching both spheres with reciprocity and mutual inspiration.
Project Description: Generations is a multifaceted dance initiative designed to harness the transformative power of contemporary dance and music, specifically engaging underserved populations in care facilities across Metro Vancouver. The project involves dancers and musicians visiting various assisted living and retirement homes, conducting room-to-room sessions that encourage residents to participate in improvisational movements tailored to their abilities. These interactions aim to foster creative expression and share moments of joy. Additionally, the outreach extends to hospitals, hospices and clinics, offering artistic experiences to young patients facing medical challenges and individuals in hospice care. Live musical accompaniment enriches these sessions, creating a multi-sensory journey for participants. These engagements are viewed as site-specific and immersive performances, incorporating workshops when applicable. The overarching vision is to honor the stories and resilience of participants through movement and music, transcending boundaries and fostering a sense of community across generations and life stages.