Mothers in Motion is a project that explores the theme of motherhood by translating it into the language of choreography, movement, and the body. Its primary aim is mutual support and the embodiment of motherhood within a safe space, with an emphasis on process and the absence of pressure.
The project is also a space without rigid frameworks—a platform for diverse artistic and research needs related to motherhood. It is as flexible as parenting itself and open to what emerges from outside. For this reason, it does not assume fixed or regular activities, while at the same time not ruling them out in advance.
To date, under the Mothers in Motion banner, meetings of mothers from Kraków have taken place in a laboratory format, focused on sharing personal experiences, individually exploring the present moment (here and now) of motherhood, and engaging in movement-based work. These so-called “labs” were held within a closed group of women with movement, dance, or choreographic experience, allowing participants to meet in a different context and to form a community of mothers who share experiences and often challenging emotions, while offering mutual support.
As part of the project, Agnieszka Barańska-Kozik, Barbara Wysoczańska-Grochal, and Monika Węgrzynowicz each individually explored selected aspects of motherhood using an interview-based method conducted by psychologist Marta Muranowicz (Psychologia Blisko Mamy). Short excerpts from these interviews were later used as material for further stage work.
Performance “Where Is the Mother”
On 26 May 2024, the performance Where Is the Mother took place, marking the first public presentation of the Mothers in Motion project. Emerging from the earlier laboratories and their slow, process-oriented development, the performance addressed early motherhood and the memory of this difficult yet euphoric stage, as well as its social context and the invisibility of mothers. It also focused on the distinctive qualities that emerge through motherhood, such as strength, maturity, and flexibility.
Film “Where Is the Mother”
This production is a part of the multi-dimensional Mothers in Motion project. A deeper exploration of the states and emotions accompanying motherhood, along with the desire to capture and preserve selected moments, led to the creation of this film etude. By recycling choreographic solutions while simultaneously expanding the possibilities offered by the camera’s eye, a film titled Where is the Mother — the same as the earlier performance—was created.
The premiere took place on November 28, 2024, at Kino Paradox in Kraków, as part of the 4th edition of Dance Shorts, programmed by Mothers in Motion Collective.
Production: Krakow Choreographic Centre – Nowa Huta Cultural Centre
Funded by the European Union’s NextGenerationEU
Choreography and performance: Mothers in Motion (Agnieszka Barańska-Kozik, Małgorzata Werbińska-Wojciechowska, Monika Węgrzynowicz, Katarzyna Węglowska-Jamroz, Barbara Wysoczańska-Grochal)
Script and direction: Barbara Wysoczańska-Grochal
Assistant direction, cinematography, editing, and color grading: Wojciech Kozakiewicz
Glitch: Grzegorz Kaliszuk
Music: Wojciech Kiwer
Audio description: Katarzyna Peplinska-Pietrzak
Costumes: Monika Węgrzynowicz
Production: Agnieszka Barańska-Kozik (Krakow Choreographic Centre – Nowa Huta Cultural Centre)
Special thanks to Zofia Karpowicz, Justyna Pisarek, Beatrycze Bem, and Marta Muranowicz
Podcast
Mothers in Motion is also a podcast hosted by Barbara Wysoczańska-Grochal. The podcast invites mothers working in the field of dance and choreography to share their perspectives on both motherhood and artistic practice, as well as the (im)possibilities of combining these two spheres.
Project “MOTHERS IN MOTION vol.2” / Workshop Series
MOTHERS IN MOTION vol.2 is an interdisciplinary project born out of the need for visibility, support, and shared presence. It is primarily aimed at women who combine motherhood with creative practice—mothers, artists, dancers—but also welcomes anyone seeking to connect with themselves through movement. The project combines artistic, educational, and social activities, addressing everyday challenges related to caregiving, work, and personal development. It creates a space where participants can pause, listen, share experiences, and benefit from the presence of other women.
The opening series of events for MOTHERS IN MOTION vol.2 consists of movement workshops for all mothers—without pressure or judgment, and with the possibility of childcare during the sessions. These meetings are dedicated to mothers who want to take a moment to feel their bodies and engage in mindful movement. The workshops combine dance, conversation, and a touch of theory, creating a space for self-care and free exchange of motherhood experiences. No prior movement experience is required—just the willingness to move and connect with other women.
The 10 movement sessions for mothers will be led by Barbara Wysoczańska-Grochal, Monika Węgrzynowicz, and Anna Grobelny.
The project is co-financed by the National Recovery Plan (KPO)
Photo: Beatrycze Bem
Graphic: Zofia Karpowicz
