Jessica Bertram will be moving forward with her newest dance project, “Our Hair Feels Like Flower Petals”. Originally developed during the Dance Canvas 2020 Choreographic Residency at the Atlanta Contemporary Museum, this contemporary duet features two black women and investigates their resilience during this trying climate in America. The choreographic process researches how black women move forward, how they rebuild the communities in which they occupy, and how they heal themselves mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Through set design and music composition, Jessica will work to provide the audience with the unique opportunity to view the internal and external forces that drive black women.”Our Hair Feels Like Flower Petals” works to provide healing and much needed representation for black women. With the support of Idea Capital, Jessica will expand this original piece of 12 minute duration into an evening length production and artist talk back. The completed work will be presented over multiple performances with limited audiences. Showings will be livestreamed and will premiere via YouTube, Facebook and Instagram to reach a larger audience. Digital recordings of the project will be shared with young adult programs throughout the Greater Atlanta Area to spark creativity conversations and workshops on representation in the arts.