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Skating in Sync

Writer's picture: Mara HansenMara Hansen

Chani Danforth and Jada Corona are the perfect example of twin flames. Despite their differing identities and life experiences, the pair find deep connection through creative expression. After spending time this summer with Chani and Jada it became clear that their lives were meant to be entwined. From meeting at a hospital kitchen in Sauk City, to moving to Madison together and now Las Vegas, Chani and Jada continue to take on the world while skating in sync. 


Mara: You are a very creative person, working at the ceramics studio and making your own waist beads. How does making something with your own hands like jewelry or a piece of pottery change your perspective on art?


Chani: It gives me so much more respect and appreciation for professionals. I know now how much love and care has gone into any handmade piece. I give my art to people I love. It’s such an intimate thing. I have the utmost appreciation for people who really commit to a craft. I’m definitely not someone who commits to just one craft and that’s totally okay too. I’m very much so a hobbyist but that has its own perks as well. You don't have to be the best at everything you do, you can indulge in so many different facets. I feel like nowadays we are all really focused on being the best at something and proving ourselves to someone. Just enjoying what you're doing and having purpose to you is the most important thing. 


Mara: I loved what you said about not needing to focus on just one craft or needing to be the best at something. It’s more fun to try many different artforms without the pressure of perfection. 


Chani: Yeah! I brought clay home and whenever my friends come hang out they make little figurines and stuff and I can take it back and fire it for them. It’s not something that they ever thought they could be good at but it's so fun and a really good mindfulness exercise. Going back to your question, mindfulness and being present are some amazing benefits of making art with your own hands. 


Mara: I really look up to you like an older sister. You are an amazing example of a strong, intelligent, kind woman. I’d love to know, what advice do you have for young women, especially women in college?


Chani: Explore yourself fully in every way. Work on having a good relationship with yourself. Indulge in those mindful hobbies like creating art or whatever fills your bucket. Don't be afraid to try new things and join new communities. Everyone wants to be known and to know you. Once you find the root of whatever makes you authentic on this given day then you will have the peace necessary to explore. Make sure that you can always come back to your home base, whatever that may be for you. For some that is their family or a group of close friends who will always be there for you. Put work into building that base. It will give you the confidence to extend friendships to new people in life. Connection and community are the most important. People are scared to reach out because their energy might not be reciprocated. The truth is that people are just waiting for you to reach out. Take a chance. Take a risk. 


Mara: How would you describe yourself to people who don’t know you?


Jada: I’m a very hard worker. I’m a young person that has a lot of goals and aspirations in life but still wants to enjoy her time. I love skating obviously. I can’t even remember what I did before skating even though it's only been a year. I still do art and try to express myself and be outside with nature. Traveling and exploring are also some of my favorite things to do. 


Mara: You mentioned that you worked at a hospital and I know you plan on going into the medical field in the future. Why does healthcare interest you and why is it something you're looking to pursue? 


Jada: I’ve always been a very sympathetic person. I love caring for people. I want to go into the medical field because I want to be more involved in helping people through the struggle of healthcare. Healthcare in America is awful. I've gone through it myself as someone with chronic health struggles and have had to deal with being uninsured. I think it strengthens my connection deeper to people who are struggling, especially people who are struggling because they can’t afford their meds. It wasn't something I always knew I was going to do. It just kind of fell in my lap working as a CNA. I worked in an acute care hospital setting for the last two and a half years. 


Production Team:

Directed by: Ian Vailliencourt and Robyn George

Photographed by: Eden Meidl and Isaac Westburg

Modeled by: Chani Danforth and Jada Corona

Featuring work from: Llore by Lisa Lor




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