Welcome folks to another episode of La Befana’s Table.
Today, we will be joined by our dear friend, Jess Grippo, who’s a dancer, a creative coach, and the founder of Dance Again.
As you all know, dancing is more than just moving the body. It’s a vehicle of expression.
In fact, dance has been part of our traditions throughout history. Our ancestors used it to celebrate a new life, mourn, and heal.
Dance helps us tell a story, express our feelings and emotions, connect with our community, and most importantly, connect with ourselves.
In this episode, Jess and I are going to talk about her journey to dance again after leaving the competitive world of ballet, the courage it takes to dance with strangers, & discovering the healing drum & dance traditions of our cultural roots
More of what we discussed:
01:22- Get to know Jess
02:35- Dance as a form of expression
07:08- Dance again
10:02- Is the bigger version of you blocking you
11:47- Jess’ journey of going into the dances of her ancestry
14:30- There’s healing in dancing
16:30- The original purpose of dance
Know more about Jess:
Jess Grippo is a dancer, performance artist, author, and creative coach.
After leaving the classical ballet path and not dancing for years, she started making her own dance videos, alone in her room. While that habit continues, she’s also added quite a few others: starting up an inclusive, creative dance community online and in NYC (Dance Again), making comedic interpretive dances about her dating life and the menstrual cycle (Hungry Ovaries), writing a book and video series (Dance With This Book), and supporting others in their creative, expressive unfolding through her coaching practice.
Her work has been featured at TEDxNYU, Lincoln Center's Dance On Camera Festival, the New York Comedy Club, The Vagina Monologues opening act, and more. Her puppy Lucy is her only boss and she frequently daydreams of moving into the loft from Flashdance.
Connect with Jess:
Website: https://www.jessgrippo.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessgrippo
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jessgrippo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessgrippo/
Other links and resources mentioned:
Dance with this book By Jess Grippo: https://www.jessgrippo.com/words
Alessandra Belloni: https://alessandrabelloni.com/
*******************************
Thanks so much for pulling up a seat at La Befana’s Table!
If you want episodes sent directly to your inbox be sure to subscribe to
http://dinagregory.substack.com
This will allow you to expand on the conversation via a thoughtful comment section, weekly dialogue threads, and our very own private chat
If you found value and love listening to my podcast, please leave an honest review, this helps more people find a seat at La Befana’s Table.
Ep. 10 Dance As a Form of Expression and Truth with Jess Grippo