A six-week movement cohort for connection, expression, and collective presence
Movement Lab: Women Veterans is a small-group experience designed for Women Veterans who are curious about movement as a way to explore expression, connection, and voice — without pressure, expectation, or obligation.
You do not need dance experience. Sharing your personal experience is up to you - you never have to go deeper than you choose.
This is a space to move your body, notice, and explore how your individual expression exists alongside others — gently, at your own pace, in a supportive environment shaped by care and choice.
-
Gentle, accessible movement — no dance experience required
A small, supportive group of Women Veterans
Emphasis on choice, pacing, and listening to the body
Led by professional artists and Women Veterans
Trauma-aware and non-clinical
An optional opportunity to participate in a short collective performance at Women Veterans Dress for Success Celebration Summit (info below).
-
Women Veterans of all eras who are:
curious about movement as a form of expression
looking for a calm, respectful, non-clinical space
prefer a small group setting
You do not need prior movement, dance, or performance experience. All bodies and abilities are welcome.
-
When: 6 Sundays: February 1, February 8, February 15, February 22, March 1, March 8
Because of the collaborative nature of cohort work, we request that you plan to attend at least 4 of the 6 sessions.
Time:
4:30–6:30 pmWhere:
Fully-accessible location in Downtown Oklahoma City (Location shared after registration)Cost:
Free
-
Movement Lab: Women Veterans is led by a collaborative team of professional artists and Women Veterans with experience in movement, performance, and creative facilitation. The team is committed to creating a space grounded in respect, agency, and care. Read their full bios below.
-
Participation in all activities is invitational. You are welcome to move, observe, pause, or step out as needed. There is no expectation to speak, share personal experiences, or perform unless you choose to.
The optional performance is just that - optional.
-
Participants in Movement Lab: Women Veterans will be invited — but never required — to take part in a short, collective performance at the Women Veterans Dress for Success Celebration Summit on March 14, 2026, in Lawton, Oklahoma.
The performance will be shaped collaboratively over the course of the cohort and reflects the movement exploration developed together. Participation is entirely optional, and there is no expectation to perform, share personal experiences, or be on stage unless you choose to do so.
-
Do I need any movement or dance experience?
No. Movement Lab is designed for people with no prior movement or dance experience. The sessions focus on simple, accessible movement and personal choice. You are welcome to participate at whatever level feels right for you.
Do I have to perform?
No. Participation in the performance is completely optional. Some participants may choose to be part of the performance, and others may not. Both choices are equally respected.
Is this therapy or a fitness class?
Movement Lab is a non-clinical, trauma-informed creative cohort. It is not therapy and not a fitness class. The focus is on creative exploration, connection, and shared experience through movement.
Will I be asked to share personal stories or experiences?
No. You will never be required to share personal stories, speak about your experiences, or disclose anything you’re not comfortable sharing. Verbal sharing is always optional.
What if I’m not comfortable moving in front of others?
That’s okay. Observation, adapting movements, pausing, or stepping out as needed are all welcome. You are always in charge of how and when you participate.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. There is no special attire required.
Who will be leading the sessions?
The cohort is led by a collaborative team of professional artists and Women Veterans with experience in movement, creative facilitation, and community-based work. The facilitators are committed to creating a respectful, supportive environment.
Where will the sessions take place?
Sessions will take place in the OKC / Midwest City area. Exact location details will be shared after registration.
Is there a cost to participate?
No. Movement Lab: Women Veterans is free to participate in.
How do I sign up or ask more questions?
You can register through the link on this page or email nicole@sparklahoma.org with any questions. We’re happy to share more details.
What if I’m interested but unsure?
That’s okay, too. Curiosity is enough. You’re welcome to reach out, ask questions, or register and decide later if it feels like a good fit.
Interested in Joining?
👉 [Register here]
If you’re curious and would like to learn more, we’d love to hear from you.
Email: vets@sparklahoma.org
Phone: (405) 254-8623
Once registered, you’ll receive additional details about location, accessibility, and what to expect in the first session.
Partners
Movement Lab: Women Veterans is presented by SPARK! Creative Lab in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, Women Veterans Program.
MEET THE TEAM
HUI CHA POOS
Hui Cha Poos is an internationally recognized dancer, choreographer, and producer whose work spans stage, screen, and classroom, and bridges Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, and Music Theatre. Her choreographic works have been presented regionally, on both U.S. coasts, and abroad in Korea, Germany, and Switzerland. Beginning her career with OKC’s Lyric Theatre, Hui has since performed and choreographed extensively for Lyric as well as The Pollard, Southern Plains, and OKC Rep. She is the founder of RACE Dance Collective, where she created original works including the Hip Hop Nutcracker and Racey Shows. A founding member of SPARK!, Hui choreographed Ditty Bops 2023, which received national visibility and NEA funding. Her work has earned the Governor’s Arts Award for Arts Education, Women Who Inspire Award (UCO), the Founders Day Award (Oklahoma Contemporary), Artist of the Year (Paseo Arts Association), recognition from American Theatre as one of “6 Theatre Workers You Should Know,” and multiple Broadway World Regional Awards. She continues to shape Oklahoma’s cultural landscape, creating spaces such as Race the Space Studios, the Calderón Dance Festival, Meca Mvmt, OK-OGs and Cure-8 Choreography Experience. She currently serves as an advisor for the national Choreography Guild. Hui is on faculty at the University of Central Oklahoma, where she also leads the Dance Education Department, and is an adjunct instructor at the University of Oklahoma Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre.
CREATIVE ARCHITECT
MARCIA ERMEY
Marcia Ermey was born in Jamaica, West Indies, and proudly served six years in the U.S. Air Force as an Aircraft Analyst. Though she loved art as a child, it wasn’t until after her military service that she rediscovered her passion for creativity, now working primarily in canvas and paint. Ditty Bops 2025 was her first stage performance, and she is honored to stand alongside fellow Veterans and artists, sharing their voices and stories with the community.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY ARTIST | U.S. AIR FORCE VETERAN
DANCE & CHOREOGRAPHYNATASHA ABU-FADEL
Natasha Abu-Fadel is a freelance movement artist and educator. She earned her BFA in Dance Performance from UCO in 2018 and has since built a multifaceted career as a performer, teacher, and creator. She deepened her practice through the American Dance Festival Summer Intensive and the inaugural Embodiology Immersion with Dr. Ama S. Wray, cultivating an improvisation-centered approach to performance. Her versatility has led her to perform with Painted Sky Opera, Perpetual Motion, Paige Fischer’s The Four Seasons: A Modern Ballet, and Ditty Bops: The Art of Listening. Her choreographic works have been seen in productions for UCO Theatre, Oklahoma Shakespeare, and local high schools. Her solo La Vie En Rose was featured at the Oklahoma International Dance Festival, and her first short dance film, X PAT BOND, screened at festivals in Beirut and Dallas. She also premiered her work « On The Edge Of Belonging » at Oklahoma Contemporary for Cure8’s program in 2024. Committed to continual evolution through her personal and shared practice, Natasha thrives on collaboration, research, and experimentation that expands the expressive possibilities of dance.
