WHAT: A.P.E. @ Hawley & SCDT present:Practicing Presence WHEN: September 24-27, 2020 The 5th annual PRACTICING PRESENCE FESTIVAL features four days of online classes, workshops, films, and performance events offering opportunities for clearing, calming, energizing, and focusing the body-mind. Hosted by SCDT and A.P.E.@ Hawley in Northampton, MA, the full festival is available globally through Zoom. This year, we honor inspirational dance artist Nancy Stark Smith, as well as activate/mobilize toward issues central to our time. Join us for morning somatic practices in Qi Gong, Yoga, and Meditation, followed by afternoon workshops and classes in improvisation, contemporary dance, deep listening, and composition. On Friday and Saturday evenings, there will be live-streamed performances and video screenings presenting the work of local and international artists. Featured artists include: Chris Aiken, Mary Beth Brooker, Kathy Couch, Jennifer Green, Scotty Hardwig, Shaneeka Harrell, Angie Hauser, Julie Iarisoa, Jennifer Nugent, Andrea Olsen, Jennifer Polins, Jenna Riegel, Peter Schmitz, Batya Sobel, and Lisa Thompson. ANNOUNCING BUILD A FLOOR Project honoring Nancy Stark Smith. This Zoom conversation between Andrea Olsen and Kathy Couch (Northampton Community Arts Trust President) on Saturday, September 26 from 12:30-1pm unveils the Build a Floor project, initiating fundraising for a sprung floor in the new 3,800 square foot Workroom/Theater at 33 Hawley. See full schedule of events, sliding-scale rates, and registration details on SCDT's website: https://www.scdtnoho.com/practicing-presence-festival-2020.html Contact: Lisa Thompson,lisathompson@apearts.org; Jen Polins,infoscdt@gmail.com Photos: Julie Iarisoa; Chris Aiken and Angie Hauser by William Federking; Shaneeka Harrell and Jenna Riegel