Jane Siarny's 70th Birthday Fundraiser

Jane Siarny is dedicated to uplifting the human spirit through creativity, community building, and body-wise practices. Jane burst into the Chicago dance scene in 1985 by joining the Chicago Repertory Dance Ensemble and the Faculty at MoMing Dance & Arts Center where she also performed her original works. She toured two children’s programs to Chicago-area schools and offered workshops through the Sacred Dance Guild. 

In 1991 at the National Sacred Dance Guild Festival, Jane discovered InterPlay and its co-creators, Phil Porter and Cynthia Winton-Henry. Jane was looking for something that would integrate her love of voice, music, improvisational movement and storytelling. With InterPlay she was able to integrate all these expressions and find a community based in affirmation.  In 1992 she co-founded OUTABOUNDS Performance Company that was housed at the Chicago Cultural Center where Jane directed the Hedwig School of Dance and created the Dance Discovery Series.

Since co-founding InterPlay Chicago in 1994 Jane has been instrumental in leading the Life Practice Program to help people integrate the InterPlay philosophy and practices. She also serves as a Mentor in the InterPlay Leader Training Program and as Coordinator of the Life Practice Program. She was thrilled when the InterPlay Art and Social Change Program came to Chicago in 2024 and is happy to see many participants pursue InterPlay Leadership Certification. 

In 1985 Jane participated in a Sacred Dance Guild workshop at Granville Avenue United Methodist Church. Now 40 years later, having moved into the neighborhood, she incorporates InterPlay into Granville’s Children’s Ministry. Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s she had the freedom of big lawns, wild woods, skating, dancing, singing at church, and cavorting along the trail with the Girl Scout Troop.  With the rest of her days, she strives to cultivate creative communities where all beings can have the freedom to express who they really are and grow into who they want to become.

Jane is grateful for the support of the InterPlay Chicago Community, Granville Avenue United Methodist Church, and her family and friends around the world who continue to encourage her along this journey of life.