JOTHE (Journey Towards Hope)

Yoga Dance Projects

Our History and Concept

In 2001 Valli Batchelor directed the first JOTHE Project titled Journey Towards Hope which was in partnership with Monash University Malaysia and in aid of the orphanage House of Hope.

The phenomenal success of using intercultural Dance Yoga and songs to engage, educate and empower participating individuals of all ages and abilities was clearly evident from the outcome .

To date JOTHE Projects have been inspiring the wellness of individuals and communities from over 23 countries, by providing tools to develop skills in mind-body practices such as Yoga, Intercultural dances and sound instruments.

These skills are necessary to thrive in school, work, home, and throughout life

- as healthier, happier AND more productive human beings.

Why Is this Important?

Amidst the global epidemic of isolation, aggression, burnout, anxiety, depression, and suicide, JOTHE projects promote natural and effective complementary interventions to improve the quality of lives of individuals and communities.

What Do JOTHE Projects Offer?

Online and live educational Programs – which are rooted in evidence-based scientific research, high-performance methodologies, ancient wisdom traditions, and practical skills – emphasize the mental, emotional as well as physical health benefits of yoga and the arts of meditation, dance, movements, music, and storytelling.

How Does It Help?

The projects engage, educate and empower participants with knowledge and tools that they need to manage stress, regulate emotions and cultivate meaningful relationships – so that they can embrace the turbulence of modern 21st century living with more optimism, resilience and compassion

"Through the power of Yoga based Dance and the arts, it is my desire to continue empowering individuals and communities with more joy, healing, and hope. Hope is dynamic and keeps changing. When someone loses hope, they lose the desire or enjoyment of life.

I share my gratitude with all who have supported us since 2001 – to reach thousands of individuals around the world – and especially in helping women, children and youth to feel safe and confident as happier, healthier productive beings.

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey!"

Valli Batchelor Phd ERYT RCYT RPYT

MORE ABOUT VALLI

JOTHE Projects received Awards and Commendations

Australian Crime & Violence Prevention Award 2009

This project sought to engage, educate and empower participants through dance, as well as convey messages of violence prevention. The United Nations White Ribbon pledge ‘not to commit, condone or remain silent on violence against women and children which became the theme woven into dance workshops and guided the development of performances at leading dance festivals. The projects traversed social, ethnic, and economic boundaries and generated new partnerships with stakeholders.

The program won the 2008 Western Australian Award for Multicultural Community Services and $5,000 and a certificate of merit at the 2009 ACVPAs (AIC 2009).

Western Australian Multicultural Community Service Award 2008

Dr. Batchelor is the founder and facilitator of an innovative creative dance program ‘JOTHE’ – meaning ‘light’ in the ancient Sanskrit language. The program involves the intentional use of skills development in creative arts (mainly in yoga, dance, and movements) and promotes health and empowerment within communities.

Through her ‘Journey Towards Hope’ Dance Project, Dr. Batchelor has facilitated innovative cross-cultural programs that aim to use dance as a medium to break down barriers and promote social justice and harmonious relationships within the WA community and beyond. With a Ph.D. in the study of Islamic finance, she continues to combine her dance work with her expertise in finance to advocate for social justice issues such as the eradication of poverty and gender-based violence, as well as immigrant and faith-based issues.

Mover of Just Peace - World Council of Churches Geneva

Dr. Valli Batchelor – received Mover of Just Peace from the World Council of Churches Geneva. She is the editor of When Pastors Prey a co-publication of the World Student Christian Federation and World Council of Churches Publications. She is an educator, an intercultural artist, and an advocate for gender justice and peace. She has offered lectures and creative workshops around the world on issues of community well-being, gender justice, and international finance.

With Prologue from by former US President Jimmy Carter launched at the United Nations (New York) 2013

ADDRESSING THE SHAME OF THE CHURCHES—

This prophetic project initiated by Valli Batchelor, creatively breaks the silence and gathers the resources to address a problem that undermines the very foundations of pastoral work and institutional Christianity. While clergy abuse of children has received worldwide attention from media and legal authorities, little has been written about the more widespread and devastating phenomenon of clergy abuse of adult women

Edited by Valli Boobal Batchelor co-publication of World Council of Churches Publications (WCC) & World Student Christian Federation (WSCF)

Commendation by Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary, World Council of Churches

“Christian community and witness hinge hugely on the personal integrity and witness of professionals in ministry. Yet that bond is severed by sexual exploitation and abuse, a phenomenon sadly present in Christian churches around the world. When Pastors Prey, focused particularly on abuse of women, can be a vital resource for understanding and addressing a problem that undermines the Gospel itself.”

Commendation by Lady Brenda Hale, President of the International Association of Woman Judges

“The International Association of Women Judges is delighted to see this book (When Pastors Prey)—drawing attention to a serious problem which has been neglected for far too long—and welcomes the contribution it makes to the IAWJ’s aim of increasing knowledge and understanding of what we call ‘sextortion’—demanding sexual favors as the price of favorable treatment by those in authority generally.”

Commendation by Dr. Gary Christensen, President of the Global Alliance of Arts & Health

(Re: Yoga dance presentation at Native American Museum in Washington DC, USA)

“Dr. Valli is doing a truly wonderful job in promoting the healing aspects of both yoga and the arts in your community. I am so pleased to know that your community is joining a worldwide recognition of the benefits of the arts in health for both individuals and the community.”

Some Past Projects...

Choreography & Tribute To Indigenous Cultural Arts

"I have experienced a lot from the participants. Most of my choreography comes from the participants - the expressions, their ideas (especially the ideas of young people), their views, and their reflections on observing something or hearing a piece of music. From speaking about it; and just reflecting on feelings that arise from it, I find that I'm able to just create.

It's just a fascinating experience where there are no boundaries of rules or definitions in the geographic form, It was so important to involve what is natural with the participants. So often I go into the duration of the project without a set choreography, apart from some basic background moves, where they're so simple, that almost anybody could follow. And I think that was a big success for Bollywood dancing.

We ventured into regional Kalgoorlie (Western Australia) where we were involved with the dance forms of the indigenous people of Australia. That was very special and we learned to understand the culture and the requirements - and to respect the framework surrounding art - the requirements, the sensitivities. The indigenous people have just an amazing connection with our Earth and nature, which is so often a struggle to verbalize in the English language - and the fact that they were so willing to share it in the art form is simply amazing. It is my hope to involve more Australian schools in the expression of indigenous art form and the appreciation of it.

Harmony Festival Office Of Multicultural Interests Western Australia (Archives)-

Artistic Direction by Valli Batchelor

1. Yoga & Indian Classical Dance

2. Bhangra Dance- North India

3. Kuuthu- Village Dance of South India

This performance is the outcome of artistic training sessions for non-dancers in Yoga, Indian Dance Circus, and Drumming at Primary and High Schools and Community Groups.

UN New York Conversation On the Power Of Dance For Health, Healing, And Social Connection

I’ve noticed the profound benefits of interactive group dance activities

It strengthens.
It heals.
It improves health.
It is liberating and cathartic to participants – and the audience.
It unites and is a tremendous way of bringing people together.
It is very expressive of the hurts of people who have been violated.
It has got the vast potential to break barriers of communication and also to convey profound messages for positive change.

International Peace Convocation – University Of West Indies – Addressing Sensitive Issues Through The Arts Of Dance, Drumming, Yoga, Mindfulness and Story Telling

Hollywood To Bollywood 4 Enthralls Audiences Yet Again In Saudi Arabia

Thunderous applause greeted the return of Hollywood to Bollywood, the larger-than-life production and cultural event held on March 13, 2015, at the Abqaiq Theater before a full house of attendees at the sold-out event.

The production featured 97 participants, representing over 60 nationalities and ranging in age from 2 to 58 years old. "The creativity and energy were infectious," said event coordinator Jay Rane, as the performers took to the stage enthusiastically presenting 27 choreographed performances set to music from Hollywood and Bollywood.

The Abqaiq Art, Craft and Hobby Group meticulously decorated the stage surroundings with saris, quilts, blankets, and embroideries, while the Girls Scouts offered delicious samosas and cookies in the foyer.

Valli's Vision

Hollywood to Bollywood was first conceptualized by Dr. Valli Batchelor, the event's artistic director, and premiered in 2011 under the sponsorship of the SAEA's Abqaiq Chapter. "This event is an example of how the arts of movements and music can break barriers, deepen bonds of friendship, and promote health," said Batchelor, an Abqaiq resident since 2009 and an Australian national award-winning proponent of multicultural arts. "It is neither about professionalism nor perfection, but about the magic of community engagement". Based on its success and high community interest, several repeat productions and sequels have followed in the past three years.

From Hollywood...

This year's performance began with a contemporary yoga interpretation and continued with popular Hollywood numbers from Michael Jackson's timeless Billie Jean and Thriller, the classic Flashdance, and the Macarena to which fathers, toddlers, teenage boys, and young children came together. An empowering Super Girls number with Girl Scouts and middle school girls followed, and Kung Fu Fighting with mesmerizing martial arts. Middle schoolers performed basketball-themed numbers to Get'cha Head in the Game and Greased Lightning, followed by the catchy Waka Waka and Laluz led by two of Abqaiq's Zumba instructors. This segment closed with all performers on stage participating in unison to Break the Chain, echoing women's well-being and freedom

To Bollywood...

The second half of the show radiated with enthralling demonstrations, vibrant costumes, and energizing drum beats, balanced with tranquil yoga-based movements. These performances ranged from renditions of South and North Indian classical pieces followed by traditional Garba to popular Bollywood numbers, such as Dholare, Kajrare, Sivakasi, Bhangra King, Jhoom Barabar and Jai Ho, enhanced with energetic drumming The event concluded with all participants performing a calming yoga segment and a benediction recognizing the power of the arts and culture for community health This was followed by a rousing impromptu encore performance by the entire ensemble.

An out-of-this-world experience

The response from the captivated audience was overwhelmingly positive. Motivated participants were a testament to the fulfilling purpose of this event to promote community engagement, social inclusion, health, and happiness through intercultural arts. The feedback from adults and children was enthusiastic.

"It was an out-of-this-world musical experience for me and my family," said Syed Ali, SAEA president.

"What I loved the most was meeting others while exercising," said Rosa Mendoza, an Abqaiq School teacher.

"My 8-year-old son Mohammad was so excited and couldn't stop talking about the rehearsals," said Abdullah Yami, planning supervisor at the Power Operations Department.