INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A newly premiered dance piece, “Edges of Insanity,” is connecting with audiences by sharing a story mental health and recovery through a blend of movement, spoken word, and film.
Co-choreographed by Justin David Sears and Margo Korn, with videography by Amanda Hoover, the work offers an intimate look at the path from struggle to hope.
Sears, whose own recovery journey forms the heart of the dance, joined News 8 on Daybreak to discuss the work alongside IU Health clinical psychologist Dr. Danielle Henderson.
Sears says choreography aims to break the stigma surrounding recovery and encourage those suffering in silence to seek help.
“I experienced a sense of powerlessness,” Sears said. “When I realized that I tried everything and nothing was working, that’s when I knew I needed to seek outside help. I want anyone facing substance use or alcohol use disorder to know they are not alone.”
Sears uses the term “recovered” to describe his mental health state, explaining that sustained recovery is possible much like managing any other illness — requiring continuous effort and the right support systems.
“As long as we continue our practices and the things that work for us to keep us in a good mental health state of mind, I believe that we can recover,” he said.
Henderson echoed that message, pointing to the healing potential of the arts. Dance, body movement, spoken word, singing, and playing instruments can all serve as meaningful outlets for processing emotions and lived experiences, she said.
“Just having a different outlet for expression of different things that we might be feeling, different things that we have experienced in our life — those can be really beautiful ways to do that,” Henderson said.
Henderson also emphasized that recovery resources are not one-size-fits-all. Support groups exist specifically for veterans, people of certain ages, and individuals of various racial and ethnic backgrounds — ensuring that anyone seeking help can find a community where they feel understood.
“There are groups available for you,” Henderson said.
Sears said he hopes the work will inspire others to use movement and art as tools for healing, and confirmed that more creative projects are already in development.
“There is always another piece in the works,” he teased.
Mental health resources
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