As we all share stories, short, long... feel free to add one, read them and use them as inspiration for your art. If you choose to use a story as inspiration, please: 1. tag us on IG @kinesisproject 2. use the hastags #writekind #breathingwithstrangers Then upload your own forum post here at Using the Muse and let us know what inspired you!

CHOREOGRAPHER'S NOTE from the Program This work is inspired by New York City and the transit we use to move to and fro within it. I love the subway system, and I am in awe, and fascinated by the moments of collective sleepy quiet on a Monday morning, the intense proximity we share as New Yorkers, and how good we (generally) are at keeping space, and peace between us. We have told one another stories of kindness between strangers, talked about what those moments of kindness require to occur, and how often they happen in silence. We’ve talked about the sailors of Snug Harbor, how they came to this place and had to live with the men around them. We’ve drawn maps of the space between people, we’ve invented together, and now we have worked together to place these tales and stories and experiences in the historic spaces of Snug Harbor. We look forward to continuing this work in Inwood Hill Park. PROGRAM INFO Choreography/Direction Melissa Riker in constant collaboration with the dancers Kinesis Project dancers Zoe Allocco, Claudia Lynn Rightmire, Sumaya Mulla-Carrillo, Jiemin Yang dancers whose contributions are still present in the work Michael Greenberg, Marion Spencer, Michelle Amara Micca, therese Ronco Text Subway stories compiled by Melissa Riker Street text taken from City Diaries, NY Times Music Arrangements and vocals by Joanna Nix Rather Be, Clean Bandit | Gimme One Reason, Tracy Chapman| Valerie, Amy Winehouse | In the Cold Cold Night, The White Stripes | Dancing in the Dark, Bruce Springsteen | I Call Your Name, Mamas and the Papas ***** How do you see others? What is generosity? How does kindness occur? What is helping? “I remember remembering you.”

Much of the process of creating "Breathing with Strangers" has been dedicated to telling one another stories of kindness between strangers, and then going out into the community to discover new stories. Use this forum to share your own. Images aren't required or needed. Start a new "Discussion" and then write or record your voice telling the story, and hit "publish". You will be prompted to sign in to finish publishing.

PERFORMANCE PROGRAM Breathing with Strangers is a work in development created by Melissa Riker/Kinesis Project dance theatre music performed by Opera On Tap How do you see others? What is generosity? How does kindness occur? What is helping? “I remember remembering you.” CHOREOGRAPHER'S NOTE BREATHING WITH STRANGERS This work is inspired by New York City and the transit we use to move to and fro within it. I love the subway system, and I am in awe, and fascinated by the moments of collective sleepy quiet on a Monday morning, the intense proximity we share as New Yorkers, and how good we (generally) are at keeping space, and peace between us. We have told one another stories of kindness between strangers, talked about what those moments of kindness require to occur, and how often they happen in silence. We’ve drawn maps of the space between people, we’ve invented together, and now we have worked together to place these tales and stories and experiences in the inspiring pathways of Riverside South. We look forward to continuing this work in Snug Harbor, and then Inwood Hill Park. Choreography/Direction Melissa Riker in constant collaboration with the dancers Kinesis Project dancers Zoe Allocco, Andrew Broaddus, Michelle Amara Micca, Therese Ronco, Jiemin Yang dancers whose contributions are still present in the work Micheal Greenberg, Marion Spencer Music Performed by Opera On Tap Arrangements by David Gordon Opera On Tap singers Joanie Brittingham, David Gordon, Krista Wozniak, Luke Van Meveren with guest Shannon Finnell