the work in progress

“eyes are portals to the soul” is an multidisciplinary performance that blends dance, film, music, and literature to portray humanity’s return to love. Guided by author bell hooks’ literary masterpiece “all about love: new visions,” this project delves into hooks’ transformative love strategies, using these themes in each chapter to shape the work. Topics such as American political ideology, childhood trauma’s, biblical and spiritual connections, and our racial realities explored through the lens of the Black feminine experience.

a look into portals

 We're thrilled to relaunch our Giving Tuesday campaign to support the continued development of "eyes are portals to the soul." Since our initial launch in June 2024, this powerful dance work has evolved into a deeply layered exploration inspired by bell hooks' All About Love: New Visions. As we move toward our premiere in November 2025, we’re calling on our community to help bring this production to its fullest potential.

 

Our Fundraising Goal: $5,000

This next phase of development is crucial, as we prepare to expand the work and team with our Music Director and Instrumentalist, Dramaturg/Researcher, and our dedicated Dance Artists. Every contribution will go directly toward these vital roles, allowing us to deepen the performance’s impact through enriched storytelling, powerful compositions, and profound, movement-based expressions of hooks’ vision of love, resilience, and transformation.

 

Join Us in Completing This Journey

By supporting this phase of "eyes are portals to the soul," you’re helping us bring an authentic, soul-stirring experience to the stage. Together, let’s continue this journey and create a performance that celebrates community, healing, and the revolutionary power of love.

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

Fulton County Board of Commissioners

Dee John Consulting

Johnetta Bush

Zuri Noelle Ford 

Ernie and Joanna Johnson

Copper Flame Candle

Ellen Williams

Arianna Cherry

LaTrisha Major

Catrice Mays Swann

Events by Gaz

Cicely Rogers

Kamryn Harris

Barry Jackson

Sharlene Little

creative team

Danielle Swatzie

Creative Director & Choreographer

Deena Swatzie

Program Manager

Johnetta Bush

Advisor

Nicole Mitchell

Marketing/Branding Strategist & Consultant

Arabia Richardson

Artist Advisor

Kaela Lawrence

Administrative Assistant

Charizma Lawrence

Marketing & Production Assistant

Christina Massad

Photographer

Kerri Garrett

Grant Writer

Funding for this program is provided by the

Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

The development of this project is supported in part by the

National Black Arts.

the cast

danielleswatzie.com

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danielleswatzie.com •

Featured Photos by Christina J. Massad