I'm still ruminating on everything you shared today; from your opening introductions on the work in·corpus does and sharing of how you've come to be where you are now with your Embodied Storytelling practice; your deeply grounding, enlivening & vibratory E Hō Mai chant; the care you took in creating a safe space for us to share & embody our own land based memories.

You are a force (!) and our community is so lucky to have you doing the work you do. I've walked away from our session together with a reminder of how important mother nature is for our wellbeing, our spirit & our creative guidance. The importance of taking care of her and not taking moments to connect with the land for granted.

—Program Manager

Thank you for sharing your work, process, philosophy, energy, and generous spirit with [the Company], so many members of the Fieldston community, and me. It was an incredible project to watch develop from the first session to the last show. I personally learned so much from our discussions and watching you work with the students. Thank you for all the time you gave to this project. I know that you went above and beyond what was expected and my gratitude is beyond words. 

One of the main goals of the Rep Project is to open a window into a new way of working the creative process. I have no doubt that your impact on [the Company] will influence how they speak about, see, make, and understand dance for years to come.

—Company Director

From the start, Satsu created an open atmosphere for us. Her energy checks at the beginning of rehearsal contributed to the creation of this bubble. Rather than giving us choreography to learn, phrase after phrase after phrase, she adjusted the speed of our rehearsals based on how we were feeling. If we were tired, she made a concerned effort to see where the exhaustion came from, gave us suggestions on what to do to fully rest, and paced our rehearsal at a slower speed. Even during tech week, Satsu insisted on not going full-out every run-through so that we could preserve our energy for the full shows.

Satsu’s embodied storytelling approach also contributed to this “bubble” I referred to. Instead of engaging us in sequences of moves to learn, Satsu asked us to think about our own lives and to dig deep into our memories to find stories. To sum up, the process was very open and emphasized the interconnectedness between Satsu and me as well as between me and Paloma. Stepping into the dance studio for rehearsal, for me, truly felt like stepping into a bubble. One of the struggles of this process was exploring movement that had never been in my body before. Satsu gave us lots of moves that I wasn’t used to doing or maybe thought would “look bad,” but I felt comfortable exploring those in the “bubble” that Satsu created.

However, I think that the fact that Satsu never let us look in the mirror or worry about what we were doing was the element that made me grow so much. I truly learned to experience dance in my own body rather than how it would be perceived …I am extremely glad that Satsu approached our rehearsals this way, internalizing our movements and performing for ourselves rather than others, because it helped me grow as a dancer and accomplish my goal.

Overall, this process has been amazing and has made me grow in so many ways. I think it’s also made me more aware of my feelings and how to turn them into movement.

—Dancer

I am very grateful for the experience that I had with Satsu. I was introduced to a lot of helpful techniques to choreography and finding inspiration that I did not know before. She was always so kind and supportive, and made sure to help us if we had confusion about any move or phrase of the piece. Additionally, I loved the check-ins that we did at the beginning of each rehearsal, where we had a few minutes to relax and say how we were feeling. She really highlighted that all feelings going into each rehearsal were welcome. In the sacred place that Satsu cultivated, we were able to dance in the absence of external distractions.

—Dancer

In our workshop with Satsu, we experienced great reflection, and a deeper understanding of self.  She guided with intentionally scaffolded exercises that gave way to the participants to be both creative and authentic in their movement choices. There was also opportunity for collective reflection and sharing while also asking participants to listen not only externally but internally.

Satsu was responsive to the groups feelings, as well as achieving goals previously established.  Satsu was able to unlock within each participant an authentic and rich connection - when mind, body, spirit, and movement work as one - resulting in a beautiful expression of their truths/stories. 

Thank you again for sharing your magic with us! It was a truly beautiful experience!

—Dance & Drama Teachers

For 4 months, I had the distinction and pleasure to work closely with Satsu in her role as resident artist for SU-CASA 2025, teaching a dance class at the city-funded daytime older adult center which I manage. Satsu’s performance was outstanding and her potential is enormous. Responsible and resourceful, while also mature and collaborative, I recommend Satsu as both an artist and an instructor without reservation.

—Center Director

Thank you for taking us through your journey on how in·corpus came to be; for sharing nuggets on how to care for ourselves in order to show up better for the work we’re doing; and for your honest and open presence and warm spirit. What's still sticking with me as I write this is accepting the things we do not know (we don't have all the answers!) How liberating it is to just accept that. 

I'm also still thinking of this quote you shared: nurturing the present will bring you into the future. And plan to put those words into action NOW.

—Program Manager

I first met you and Kainoa at the American Indian Community House on October 12th of this year. I was enthralled by your presentation of Hula and Oli. It was a beautiful presentation, free to the community.

Then on November 3rd, you and Kainoa came to my church, the Fort Washington Collegiate Church in Washington Heights. You both spoke about your background, culture and friendship. I so appreciated it when you identified various hand movements that tell the story of the songs, as well.

Everyone loved the presentation. From the elders to the children, I looked at their faces that were all smiling and peaceful. From the beautiful loving energy that you emanated to the powerful Oli chant that resonated and vibrated throughout the hall, all were blessed by you both. Personally speaking, I was grieving the death of a dear friend that day. Because of you, my heart was lifted. The power of love with intention came through your art.

Thank you both for your dedication in keeping the culture alive. I know it is a sacred offering every time you do it.  I am so grateful.

—FWCC Liaison