Dancing with Conscience

One person can have a profound effect on another. And two people…well, two people can work miracles. They can change a whole town. They can change the world.

-Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider, writers of the TV show Northern Exposure

Dancers have the power to change the world. Over the past few months Dance Advantage has highlighted just a few of the many dance/arts organizations that are on a mission to do just that. Links to these posts as well as some others are listed below. In addition, I recommend checking out an article by Wendy Garofoli that features additional groups that are Making a Difference Through Dance.

Something out of Nothing

In researching the subject of refugees, I quickly discovered the Ibdaa Dance Troupe, a group of girls and boys that are residents of the Dheisheh Refugee Camp near the city of Bethlehem in the occupied Palestinian (Israel’s) West Bank, who share their experiences and message through dance. According to their website, the dancers “perform Palestinian traditional folkloric dance, or debka, as an artistic way of preserving and sharing their culture and history while simultaneously voicing the rights and struggles of the Palestinian people.”

The dance troupe is just one of the arts programs offered to children and teens at the Ibdaa Cultural Center, which is a grassroots program that seeks to empower the women, children, and youth of the Dheisheh camp. Opportunities to explore art, dance, drama, and music are rare among the 59 refugee camps in the occupied region. The programs provided at the center offer young people the chance to express themselves and develop creativity in a positive and peaceful manner. It is a stark and refreshing contrast to the violence and uncertainty that surrounds them. Ibdaa, which in Arabic means “to create something out of nothing,” reflects the hope that survives among this community of people despite the tumultuous environment in which they live.

Read more about Ibdaa Dance Troupe, Palestinian refugees, and other organizations helping refugees around the world…

Dancers Fight AIDS

We recognized World AIDS day recently. On that day Dance Advantage offered a small collection of links to AIDS related organizations and Dance Outlook‘s post on the subject. Dancers are doing important work in fighting AIDS. In particular, there are two organizations I’d like to highlight here. The first is Dancers Responding to AIDS (DRA), a fundraising program that holds events and organizes donation opportunities that help individuals in need and the organizations that support them. The other is Dance4Life, and international initiative that engages young people around the world to do something about the HIV/AIDS problem.

ASTEP Toward Ending Poverty

When people make a one-on-one connection with someone in need it can alter their lives (and consequently, the lives of others) forever. This was the case for Mary Mitchell-Campbell, a successful Broadway music director whose volunteer work in India inspired her to make an impact on worldwide childhood poverty.  She founded ASTEP (Artists Striving To End Poverty), an arts-based nonprofit that works directly with disadvantaged children, seeking to empower them through the arts. ASTEP has been a work in progress since about 2001, but received non-profit status two years ago and currently leads programs in the U.S., Africa, and India, connecting “artists who wish to share their talents with children who can benefit from artistic encounters.”

An upcoming event in New York City will feature performances by Broadway’s hottest stars. All proceeds from the event will benefit ASTEP. If you live in the city or plan to visit during the holiday season, be sure to see A NYC Christmas on December 15.

Read more about ASTEP and other organizations taking action against poverty…

Think Pink

The Dancers Care Foundation raises funds for breast cancer awareness, prevention, and research and encourages young dancers to utilize their talents for the cause. By offering several ways that dance students and studios can get involved, they encourage young dancers to utilize their talents to support and improve the quality of life for cancer victims.

Coming into Being

Genesis: Sarajevo provides dance and artistic opportunities to young people throughout Bosnia-Herzogovina. Currently the project offers two-week workshops twice a year to students in Bosnia but has plans to develop a full-fledged company and seeks to expand their work to other war-torn areas of the world. Amy Danielson, the organization’s founder was featured this month (Dec 2008) in Dance Magazine (Dancing for a Cause, by Nancy Alfaro).

Changing the Community

The Center for Contemporary Dance in Winter Park, Florida is a nonprofit center for dance education and home to six contemporary dance companies. The organization also seeks to inspire their community to “act as imaginative agents of change” through their Dance For Change program. Their initiatives address race, tolerance, and social equality, provide arts education to underserved commuities, provide opportunities to artists that explore the theme of Global Peace in their work,  and invite young people to write about how they can impact the world. Those interested in their work can also find them on twitter, myspace, and facebook.

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.

- Gandhi

Today is World AIDS Day

Because of the holiday I could not produce an in-depth post on this subject, although it is one near to my heart. Selly at Dance Outlook has a provided a post for Bloggers Unite today, however. Head over there and check it out!

In addition, check out the following organizations and consider offering your support!

New!

The Thought That Counts

Decisions, Decisions

Parents often agonize each year about what to get for the vast number of people that work among, care for, and interact with their children on a regular basis.  School teachers, coaches, dance instructors, den mothers, classroom aides, daycare workers, on and on and on!

If you are a parent wrestling with what to get your son or daughter’s dance teacher, you will have to decide how to spend (or not spend) your money this year. Who to give to, what to give, and how much to give are personal decisions each family must make. It is my opinion, however, that less is almost always more. I’ve heard over and over that people are concerned with the amount of clutter in their lives and in their home. Yet, often out of obligation, we add to our stress and our stuff during the holidays. Givers feel exasperated and overwhelmed, but remember that those receiving may also be feeling overrun by gifts. I can’t offer any hard and fast rules about gifting at the holidays, however, I will suggest that simplicity can be a gift to yourself and others. Perhaps keeping this in mind will help to reduce your stress and guide you in your choices.

The Low-Down on Loot

Teachers, especially, get a lot of stuff at the holidays, particularly candles, mugs, and bath/body products. These are great, but one runs out of places and opportunities to use these. As a dance teacher, I appreciate edible treats (healthy snacks like granola or trail mixes are very thoughtful) but remember that it is not always safe to assume that everyone will appreciate food items. For those with allergies or special diet concerns, holiday treats often go to waste. In addition to treats, I prefer items that are small, personal (something obviously purchased with the recipient in mind), consumable (movie passes, coupons, certificates), or handmade by my students (like cards, jewelry, or artwork). Holiday ornaments and decorations were nice when I was a young teacher and didn’t have a lot of my own yet, but now that I have been teaching for a number of years I’ve amassed plenty of these.

If you are planning on spending a bit of cash for a dance teacher (perhaps one that you really think is special or has made extra effort for your child), gift cards or certificates are usually well received. I know that sometimes it feels like $5 is too little for a gift card, however, I think you’d be hard pressed to find someone who didn’t appreciate that bit of extra pocket money. Just keep in mind what type of card you are buying. If the items in the shop cost well over the amount on the card, the recipient may end up spending money that they otherwise would not have just to make use of the card.  Choose a card for an establishment which you know the teacher frequents. For example, a coffee shop, the eatery near the dance studio where he/she grabs dinner on the run between classes, a dancewear shop, bookstore, or music site like iTunes®.

Alternative Gift Ideas

Rather than individual gifts, a class can consider organizing a collective gift for a teacher. This cuts down on the amount of individual items given and ultimately can result in a more useful or meaningful gift. A collective gift does not need to cost a lot of money. The class can work together on making a scrapbook, card, or craft with a holiday theme. Each member of the class could take a turn cleaning the studio mirrors or staying a few minutes after the last lesson to assist with tidying the studio. Get creative!

Another alternative gift idea that is becoming more popular is making a donation in someone’s name. This type of giving/getting is not for everyone. Some are for donation gifts and some are against the idea. You may want to consider if this gift is right for the recipient. If you have a creative way of telling someone that you’ve made a donation in their name, be sure to tell us about it in the comments for this post. Typically the gift recipient receives a card or note about the charity to inform them of the contribution made in his/her name. Another suggestion is to buy/make a small item that is a representation of the charity (for instance, a school-themed magnet for an educational charity).

Something to consider if you receive an abundance of gifts each year is to ask others to donate in lieu of a present. Teachers could hand out a card or note prior to the holiday season and encourage those who would like to give a gift to donate to an organization instead. Providing a short list of charities from which to choose will ensure that both you and the donor are happy about where the money (or item) is going. Changing the Present is one online not-for-profit site on which you can set up a registry/wish list, letting others know you’d welcome a donation made in your name.

The Thought That Counts

More important that gift-giving or receiving, the holidays are a great time to say thank you to the people who spend time with and care for you or your kids in all of their activities. These folks deserve a show of appreciation but saying “thank you” with money or stuff isn’t necessary. I’m going to write that again… Teachers, caregivers, and the people who spend time with you or your kids deserve your thanks but do not need money or stuff to feel appreciated. If they did, they would probably not have chosen a career working with children! Have your kids take the time to write or decorate a card/note and offer your sincere thanks for their time, care, and energy. For most, this gesture of appreciation will be worth more than any thing you could give! Here are some tips to help you or your child write the perfect “thank you” note.

So what are your thoughts?

• Do you give teachers gifts at all? (I know some schools have a policy discouraging this)
• What types have you given in the past?
• What are you planning to give this year?
• Do you make homemade gifts, crafts, or other creative presents? Post your ideas in the comments!

Bloggers Unite: Something Out of Nothing

I do not consider myself well-versed in international or global affairs, policies, politics, wars, or history. As a dancer, an artist, and citizen of the world I am curious about these things. However, probably like many of you, I am easily overwhelmed by all there is to learn and understand as I try to sift through the vast amount of information available to me. As an American, I find it easy to become engrossed in the multitude of distractions available to me in my life of privilege and relative security and, as a result, “tune out” the world. My heart, my conscience, and my curiosity, however, reminds me that there is a larger world out there and encourages me to investigate cultures and experiences beyond my own. As a blogger fortunate to have at least a few of you paying attention to what I say, I would be remiss of a certain responsibility if I never encouraged you to do the same. Therefore, despite my lack of knowledge on the subject, I have chosen to participate in the Bloggers Unite event, Refugees Unite. To do so forces me to explore and research a topic I could have otherwise “tuned out” and by sharing what I find, it is my hope that you, too, would “tune in” and be willing to investigate the issues for yourself.

Ibdaa Dance Troupe

As this is a dance blog, I do my best to stay true to my mission of educating and sharing through articles that enhance your experiences as a dancer, student, teacher, and/or parent. I attempt to find stories and subjects with which you can connect. In researching the subject of refugees, I quickly discovered the Ibdaa Dance Troupe, a group of girls and boys that are residents of the Dheisheh Refugee Camp near the city of Bethlehem in the occupied Palestinian (Israel’s) West Bank, who share their experiences and message through dance. According to their website, the dancers “perform Palestinian traditional folkloric dance, or debka, as an artistic way of preserving and sharing their culture and history while simultaneously voicing the rights and struggles of the Palestinian people.”

The dance troupe is just one of the arts programs offered to children and teens at the Ibdaa Cultural Center, which is a grassroots program that seeks to empower the women, children, and youth of the Dheisheh camp. Opportunities to explore art, dance, drama, and music are rare among the 59 refugee camps in the occupied region. The programs provided at the center offer young people the chance to express themselves and develop creativity in a positive and peaceful manner. It is a stark and refreshing contrast to the violence and uncertainty that surrounds them. Ibdaa, which in Arabic means “to create something out of nothing,” reflects the hope that survives among this community of people despite the tumultuous environment in which they live.

The people currently living in the Dheisheh Refugee Camp include some of those originally displaced in 1949 by the Arab-Israeli war, as well as their second and third-generation descendants. The camp currently houses around 12,000 people in an area less than a quarter-mile squared (under half a square kilometer). Many of them have and will live their entire lives in the camp. The Ibdaa Dance Troupe, however, has had the opportunity to tour throughout the world. They stopped in several United States cities in 2003 and 2005 , and have performed for members of the United Nations, world leaders, and the Pope. They dance their stories and they dance with purpose, hoping to bring awareness to the Palestinian perspective, culture, and sometimes brutal realities. The story of this dance troupe was documented on film and is available for purchase here (This review contrasts The Children of Ibdaa documentary and another film which highlights youth from the Dheisheh camp).

Neither the Israeli or Palestinian governments have been free of blame throughout the many years of fighting in this war-torn area of the world.  In response, we are often asked to take sides.  The Idbaa troupe presents their perspective through dance. They remind us of the innocent lives that are sometimes caught between sides, of human beings born into and trying to survive within a land in turmoil.  These dancers are young people who have chosen not to “tune out” the hope for peace in their own hearts and to fight their battle with creativity not violence, despite all that they live through. Regardless of one’s individual beliefs or our government’s policies regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, these are voices that deserve attention.

Additional Reading about Ibdaa Dance Troupe

• Palestine Embodied is a news article featured in the Dec 2003 edition of Dance Magazine.
• Dancing for Peace
• Dancing the Spirit of Palestine
• Freedom Dance
• Middle East of Eden

More Information on the Dheisheh Camp and Palestinian Refugees

• UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) – Dheisheh
• Global Flux – Living in Limbo
• Refugees.org – Israeli-Occupied Territories
• Israeli-Palestinian conflict – the basics on Wikipedia

Refugees Unite

The cause which is the focus of today’s event is Refugees Unite, however, as the core initiative of both Bloggers Unite and Refugees Unite is information, I chose to highlight the Ibdaa Dance Troupe instead. Refugees Unite is a non-profit that is worth checking out.

(from the Bloggers Unite homepage)

Refugees United is a non-profit organization that helps refugees relocate family and friends through the use of the internet.

Refugees United provides refugees with an anonymous forum to reconnect with missing family. By registering with nick- names, scars, former locations and other markers only identifiable to family and close friends, everyone can remain ‘invisible’ to all but relatives.

• All refugees are welcome, regardless of conflict, place or time.
• Refugees United is an independent, non-political, non-religious NGO.
• No third party is involved. No official papers need to be filled in.
• The service is free of charge, easy and safe.

The Refugees United search engine is the first of it’s kind. Visit Refugees United to see how it works and to learn more about the work that Refugees United is doing.

If you have something to add that will further educate or inform myself or my readers on this sensitive subject, I encourage your response. I just ask that you try to do so in a positive manner rather than an inflammatory one. Thank you.

Blog Action Day: ASTEP Toward Ending Poverty

Today is Blog Action Day, “an annual nonprofit event that aims to unite the world’s bloggers, podcasters and videocasters, to post about the same issue on the same day.”  This year’s aim is to raise awareness and trigger a global discussion about poverty. I was particularly excited about this topic because it is one that has been on my mind for the last several years.  It is a complex issue and one that I have been working to understand while doing my small part to increase awareness.

There are many political and activist organizations which offer resources and calls to action that I would encourage you to explore, and I will include a short list at the conclusion of this post. While I certainly appreciate and value the work of these organizations, I have always felt that change begins with one person reaching out to another. Sometimes it seems easier to throw money at problems, hoping to stick a finger in the dam of global poverty.  However, there are groups who seek a different approach – to reach out and help one person or one small group of people gain access to the things we sometimes take for granted. Building one well in one community, offering a small loan to one individual so that they can grow their business and in turn help others and the economy within their community, reaching out to one child to give them hope for their future.

“One person can have a profound effect on another. And two people…well, two people can work miracles. They can change a whole town. They can change the world.”

-Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider, writers of the TV show Northern Exposure

ASTEP in the Right Direction

When people make a one-on-one connection with someone in need it can alter their lives (and consequently, the lives of others) forever. This was the case for Mary Mitchell-Campbell, a successful Broadway music director whose volunteer work in India inspired her to make an impact on worldwide childhood poverty.  She founded ASTEP (Artists Striving To End Poverty), an arts-based nonprofit that works directly with disadvantaged children, seeking to empower them through the arts. ASTEP has been a work in progress since about 2001, but received non-profit status two years ago and currently leads programs in the U.S., Africa, and India, connecting “artists who wish to share their talents with children who can benefit from artistic encounters.”

How does this combat poverty?

As you and I know, the arts have the power and potential to teach life skills (communication, self-expression, problem solving, decision making, perseverance) in ways that wind deeply into the heart, soul, and mind of the person/people whom they touch.  Essential life skills are typically what a disadvantaged or impoverished child lacks, limiting their future and opportunities as they grow into adulthood. Amazingly, hope is present in the most hopeless of situations. Anyone who has worked with the disadvantaged can tell you about this surprising phenomenon.  In these situations, however, it becomes difficult for those without opportunity to nourish this hope. The arts can provide the tools needed so that these children can invest in the hope they have for their future.

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul.
And sings the tune
Without the words,
and never stops at all.

-Emily Dickinson

You Can Teach Anything with the Arts

ASTEP has designed programs for children in areas where war, disease, disaster, and poverty have ravaged villages and communities. These are places where childhood is marred by concerns that, in developed nations, even grown adults do not have to cope with; where trial and trauma has a psychological impact on the youth who live there. It is in this arena that the arts, and specifically ASTEP, have been able to make a positive impact.  ASTEP recruits artists, students, and professionals who volunteer to share their time and talents as teachers in the organization’s programs. Their workshops, camps, and projects are developed to serve the needs of each, particular community and help children there deal with their own difficult circumstances. Watch this video diary of how one weekend made a difference in the lives of some South African youth.

How You Can Help

If you’d like to know more about ASTEP, please visit their website and download the presskit.  If you’d like to get involved there are several ways to do so.

• Volunteer: artist opportunities are available in their active programs (currently in India, New York, and Florida) – click here for an application.
• Give Your Time: ASTEP runs a soup kitchen initiative in Manhattan every third Sunday of the month.
• Consider Donating: contribute money, supplies (like dance shoes), or equipment, or sponsor a volunteer.
• Become a Partner: combine the efforts of your non-profit with those of ASTEP.
• Purchase Tickets to ASTEP events.
• Assist the NYC Office: data entry and fundraising research opportunities available.
• Host a Benefit Concert: consider donating proceeds from your school’s dance recital!
• Set up a Change Drive: small change = BIG change.
• Purchase Items Online: Go to the volunteer page for links to sites which donate to ASTEP with the purchase of items, Broadway tickets, or even for searching online.
• Form an ASTEP Club at your college.
• Spread the Word: on your website or blog, at your studio, or to your friends.

Also, stay updated on ASTEP’s activities by signing up for their mailing list.

Worth Your Attention

Please check out these other organizations, all doing their part to bring an end to poverty.

The Girl Effect – Girls have the power to change the world! See more about Girl Effect projects and how you can give.

ONE.org – Join the fight against global poverty.

Stand Up and Take Action – Against Poverty and for the Millennium Development Goals. Stand Up October 17-19, 2008 and Take Action. Find an event near you.

Learn More

How much do you know about world poverty? Take this quiz and find out!

Investigate and learn more:

The World Bank’s PovertyNet

Global Issues.org – Causes of Poverty

The Skeptic’s Guide to Global Poverty (excerpt) – buy the book

Get Behind the Texas Ballet

Dance organizations in the United States are nearly always struggling.  There are lots of complicated reasons for this – government belt-tightening on arts funding, poor management of non-profit finances within the company, or an uncertain economy forces audiences to stay home and watch dance on tv rather than attend a live performance.  In addition to yearly pledges and donations from generous supporters, dance companies rely on funding and attendance to continue their mission, and many are falling short of their goals.

One such dance organization in Texas is in desperate need to raise funds.  The Texas Ballet Theater calls the Dallas/Fort Worth area home and Read more

Celebrate National Dance Week

National Dance Week is approaching ( April 25-May 4, 2008 ) and if you haven’t already, now is the time to decide how you’re going to celebrate!  Obviously if you’re visiting this blog, you probably have an interest in dance and may already feel like you are immersed in its practice.  However, there are lots of ways you can observe this special week that will enrich your own or your school’s dance experience. And who knows, they may even spill over into the rest of the year, too!!

Sometimes in movement classes we are so focused on learning dance that we forget that appreciating and understanding the art form is just as important.  Of course, we learn to appreciate through doing, but here are some other ways to discover and embrace dance during National Dance Week and beyond.

• See dance – Attend or watch videos of professional performances (it doesn’t matter if it’s a style you are studying) or view video biographies of dancers/choreographers.  If there are no opportunities to attend a professional performance, try a local university with a dance program or a community group that performs ethnic dance forms.
• Discuss dance – Share observations about a performance, dance artist, or a significant event in dance history with your class, your friends, your peers, or your family.  An in-class discussion is great if you’ve experienced something as a group.
• Write about dance – Write a review or report about what you observed about a performance or learned about a particular dancer, company, or choreographic work.  You could share these with your dance class, in school, or even on your own blog.
• Read about dance – There are lots of books and online resources on dance history, dance vocabulary and technique, biographical texts, and dance criticism (reviews of dance performances).
• Make dance – Try your hand at your own choreography, guide your students through the basics of composition, produce your own dance performance (don’t forget to consider costume, makeup, and lighting if available), or share your knowledge of dance with someone else who has never experienced it.

Another important way to celebrate National Dance Week is to reach out to the community.  Many dance studios perform at local festivals, parades, and other events in honor of NDW.  Some other methods of reaching out would be to hold free classes or an open house at your dance school, perform at nursing homes or hospitals, or give workshops at public schools or boy/girl scout meetings.  Perhaps you could also organize volunteering opportunities for your dance studio during this week. Activities like road clean-up, serving at a soup kitchen, or collecting canned goods for a food bank, reflect that dancers, in addition to giving the gift of their art, seek to improve and strengthen their communities in other ways.

As we lead up to NDW, I want to discuss in more detail how teachers can celebrate by incorporating a little dance history, performance, and discussion into their classes; help you build a dance library for your school; and address why all of this is worth the effort.

What are some ways that you have celebrated National Dance Week?  Is there anything you’d add to my list above?