After receiving a BFA in choreography from Concordia University in Montreal,
Jorelle Pomé worked as an independent choreographer and dancer in New York City. In 2005, she suffered a traumatic brain injury after an automobile accident, taking away her ability to walk independently and seriously impairing her coordination and balance. After years of physical therapy, she began to choreograph and perform again in 2009. Her most recent work, “Survival, It’s a Dance,” combines able-bodied dancers with short cameos by Pomé. The evening-length piece features three local dancers—Beth Woronoff, Ruby Bard, and Kyle Duncham—and will premiere at the Center for the Performing Arts at the High Meadow School in Stone Ridge from November 2 to 4. Pomé’s family and friends have created a nonprofit organization, Earthborne Dance Project, which looks to fill the gap in the Hudson Valley of opportunities for people with disabilities to dance. Its goal is to give Pomé the resources she needs to create a company and continue performing.
