In November 2018, amidst the vibrant festivities of the Loy Krathong in Nonglu, within the Kanchanaburi region of Thailand, I found myself at Rainbow School for the third time. Since 2016, I've been volunteering for/with stateless refugee children, and it was during this celebration, dedicated to the goddess of water and river, that a profound moment unfolded.

A local villager generously provided a lengthy banana tree trunk, which became the foundation for lanterns crafted by the children. As the villager sliced the trunk, I joined in the gathering crowd, captivated by the unexpected beauty of its pale white, fresh and juicy surface, adorned with growth rings reminiscent of many other trees and plants.

This striking image became etched in my memory, carrying implications of circles representing harmony, non-hierarchy and resonating across generations. It now serves as the logo for Seven Circles.

Seven Circles, an artist collective, draws inspiration from the Seventh Generation Principles observed by indigenous communities, guiding decisions with consideration for the next seven generations. Inviting artists on a project basis, we collaborate to create works that inspire and resonate with the current and future generations. 

As a dance artist with a background in dance movement psychotherapy and community projects, my goal is to position the body as a dynamic platform for exploration, creation, play, connection, reflection, and catalyzing change in both ourselves and the environment. Collaborating with children on performance making underscores the fundamental role of body and movement in their self-discovery and understanding of the world, fostering the development of motor skills, social bonds, communication abilities, and life skills.

Engaging in non-verbal and movement-based communication, children invite us to observe, wait, and listen to the expressions children wish to convey. Simultaneously, we encourage them to explore different qualities—often slower, with more intervals, three-dimensional, and embracing ambiguity—in their modes of relating and communicating. However, prevailing norms in mainstream educational, social, and cultural systems tend to impose constraints that disconnect us from our bodies and the significance of physical experiences.

Through the creation and presentation of dance performances, my intention is to share the exciting possibilities inherent in the body and movement. I aspire to remind both children and their grownups of the beauty of maintaining a childlike openness, fostering a continued connection with the innate wonder and curiosity that define us.