Monday, September 11, 2023, 11:30 AM – 1 PM EDT

Anna Leo  --  Emerit Associate Professor of Dance

Full Circle: A Personal Journey

Anna Leo, Emerit Associate Professor of Dance

I first became curious about mandalas in college when I read about Carl Jung’s connection to them. Since that time, I have continued to read about and seek out the shape in myriad forms. I have watched Tibetan monks work on sand mandalas both at Emory and in India; and I participated in planting the living mandala on Emory’s campus. In 2017 I began designing and constructing mandalas during a residency at the Hambidge Center in North Georgia.  Through my exploration of mandalas, I have come to recognize the form’s presence in my choreographic work.  My dances often build upon circular patterns, squares, and intricate spatial patterning.  I like to think that I am on a continual arcing, creative pathway in investigating mandalas--first creating them in space through dance making, and now on paper.  I view my mandala making as an intersection between play, art, and meditative practice. 

In this presentation I will briefly talk about how choreographers in general find inspiration, what inspires my own choreographic process, and how dance-making and mandala-making intersect.  Best of all, we will each make our own paper mandala!  No previous art experience required, and I will supply all needed materials. If you are attending via ZOOM, a “mandala kit” can be mailed to you if you contact me in advance.  aleo@emory.edu