Choreographer Jacob Jonas Explores Trauma and Healing Through Dance Trilogy

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Choreographer Jacob Jonas is redefining contemporary dance through his deeply personal 'Keeping Score' trilogy, which explores trauma, healing, and the body's remarkable resilience. Inspired by Bessel van der Kolk's book 'The Body Keeps the Score,' the trilogy - comprised of 'Product of Divorce,' 'Nature Sounds While the IV Drips,' and 'Restart' - taps into the growing movement of trauma-informed art that seeks to engage with the physiological and emotional effects of trauma through creative expression.

Why it matters

Jonas's work reflects a broader shift towards recognizing the importance of art as a tool for healing and social change. By incorporating trauma-informed principles into his choreography, he creates spaces for vulnerability, connection, and collective processing around issues of mental health, pain, and the human experience.

The details

Central to Jonas's approach is 'The System,' a movement language he developed to release pain and trauma through physical expression and somatic practices. Dancers in his company are asked to embody this system, rather than focusing solely on emotional expression, in order to create feeling through the body. The choreography itself, described as percussive and physically demanding, reflects the intensity of chemotherapy and the struggle for recovery.

• The 'Keeping Score' trilogy will premiere at the BroadStage in Santa Monica on March 19-20, 2026 and March 22, 2026.
• Jonas was diagnosed with Stage 4 lymphoma in 2022, which directly inspired the creation of the 'Keeping Score' trilogy.

What’s next

The premiere of 'Keeping Score' coincides with the publication of Jonas's memoir, 'Cemented Beauty,' further highlighting the intersection of art and personal narrative.