Directed by: Rodrigo Esteva and Mirah Kellc Moriarty

Videographer and Editor: Mirah Moriarty

Assistant Editor: Sebastian Esteva

Music: Binni Guala'za and Los Cojolites

Community Participants:  Aathavan Karunakaran, Abbie Turiansky, Anthony King, Larissa Canney, Oscar Green, Daisy Jaberi, Henry Liu, Audrey Liu, Marlowe Liu, Rachel Mauricio, and Ra'is San Jeronimo Mauricio, Beth Kellc
 

DANCE MONKS created Breathe Here | Respira Aquí in response to the growing need for accessible public mental health support and resilience training for people of all ages, particularly during times of change amplified by COVID-19. They developed a short film featuring adaptable movement sequences, including self-acupressure techniques designed to support resilience, emotional balance, and immune health. The film has been distributed freely for educational purposes, including in local shelters serving unhoused communities.

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The movement practices in Breathe Here are inspired by Rodrigo’s research on ancestral Toltec knowledge, including the Tonalpohualli, the ancient Mexican calendar of 260 tonalli (days) of the Anahuac, as well as his extensive studies in Chinese acupressure as a certified therapist. The project addresses the urgent need to cultivate a culture of care, create sanctuaries for rest, and restore land for planting ancestral foods—particularly for communities that have been historically disenfranchised.

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As part of this initiative, DANCE MONKS established a milpa, featuring red amaranth and corn, at Ashby Community Gardens. This land has since been significantly gifted back to the local Ohlone people through the Sogorea Te’ Land Trust.

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DANCE MONKS continues to offer Breathe Here workshops for individuals, families, and schools.

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Breathe Here | Respira Aquí was made possible with support from Berkeley Civic Arts, The Finnish Hall, StoryCenter, and Avalos Farm.