In celebration of Pride Month, June’s art talk features Arts Advocates member Jess Pope. Raised in a strict Pentecostal family – no tv, computers or dancing, no adornment in her hair or skirts above her knees – Jess was taken to a ballet by a neighbor when she was seven years old. Her life and dreams were changed forever. 

Jess’ work as a dancer and choreographer derives its point of view through issues of gender, erotic power, and queer mothering, leaning into the intersections of her experiences. She is a firm believer in the transformative power of movement, and everyone’s need for human connection and community. 

Jess holds a B.A. in visual studies from Ringling College and an M.F.A. in visual art from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She has danced with Moving Ethos Dance Company since 2008 and is an instructor at Ringling College. Jess leads movement classes at Sarasota Art Museum and is a drama and dance coach at Booker High School, her alma mater. She recently led a multi-week movement workshop at Ringling Museum in which a group of participants aged five to 85 created a collaborative work that highlighted the beauty of coming together. 

Jess’ most recent local performances include “Florida Woman,” a work included in Ringling’s 2023-2024 Art of Performance series, and “La Petite Peen” at the 2023 Squeaky Wheel Fringe Festival. Jess will be returning to the 2024 Fringe Festival with a new work entitled “I’m fine.” For more information, vist www.squeakywheeltheatre.org/fringe.

The art talk will include videos of some of Jess’ performances.