Lerna Babikyan
The Field: An Ecology of Learning Brought to Life by Dance
From an early age, we underwent education that dictated uniform knowledge, distanced us from observing our inner fields, and prevented us from hearing our own rhythms and needs, while also distancing us from creativity and critical thinking.
Seeking Wholeness in a New Life: Boundaries and Fine Lines
Ecosomatic practices, which are also experiential learning practices, are being widely used globally by experts in various fields—in addition to dance—such as psychology, education, art therapy, healing architectural design, and climate activism. This is because they develop skills like sensory awareness and empathy, and can help re-establish the lost connection with the 'Other.'
The Safety of Being Unseen
My paternal grandfather Istepan survived 1915 in Tokat-Erbaa with the help of some young female relatives and neighbours. Disguised in girls’ clothing and with mud smeared on his face, he was saved thanks to the words “Don’t take that one, she’s ugly.” He became the only surviving member of his six-sibling family at the age of seven. My maternal grandfather Sarkis was born into a family of basket weavers and farmers in Sinop-Gerze. He grew up without learning Armenian, underlined with the importance of hiding his identity. When I asked him about his memories, he would at first hesitate, then recall the beauty of his village’s nature, and eventually recount uncomfortable stories.
Ghost Bodies Reuniting with the Soil
There is a silent woman on the stage, very pure; behind her there is a pile of soil...As the woman connects with this pile of soil at irregular intervals, at various points in the show, I wonder whether she is digging her own grave, or looking for someone, or opening the grave of a victim of exile, or an accident , or a woman who died in her village during an attack.