DanceAbility Teacher Certification
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Juan Munoz and I'm currently living in Austin, Texas. I was born with cerebral palsy, but I have never let it get in my way of living life to the fullest. In fact, at 19, I left my parents and 10 siblings in California to live independently in Austin. Since then, I have learned to drive, had several jobs, became an active advocate for people with disabilities, and made a name for myself as a performer and dancer.
Over 6 1/2 years ago, I started taking dance classes with Body Shift, a mixed ability dance project started by VSA Texas and Forklift Danceworks. Body Shift creates a welcoming environment that empowers people, with and without disabilities, to fully embrace dancing in their own unique way promoting the idea every Body can find enjoyment in contemporary dancing.
Then, about 2 years ago, Body Shift expanded the program by offering us (the old-timers) the chance to go out into the community and perform in front of audiences. I really enjoyed this because it allowed me to show off my talents as a dancer. Plus, as a group, I believe we are doing our part in redefining the term "dancer" to make dancing an activity that anyone can do. Currently, Body Shift dancers are participating in site specific performances in several different outdoor locations throughout the whole community. To see pictures of our performances and stay informed about future performances, visit Body Shift on Facebook. Mixed ability dance has given me a unique way to express myself in a universal language that everyone can understand and I want to pass it on to others.
Next year, I have a chance to take a DanceAbility Teacher Certification course taught by Alito Alessi, the Artistic Director of DanceAbility International and co-founder of DanceAbility. Alito has been involved with the evolution of contemporary dance for the past 30 years, and is internationally known as a pioneering teacher and choreographer in the fields of contact improvisation, and dance and disability. His course will be 4 weeks of intense 8-hour days, but will be broken up into 2 week intervals during May and December of 2015. He will teach us what true mixed ability is and how to teach it to anyone who wants to learn, no matter what their abilities are. Yes, it is going to be a lot of hard work, but I know I'm ready for it!
I would really appreciate your support in taking this next step. I am trying to raise $2,000 by the beginning of February to pay registration fees for the training.(Registration is only $1,800, but I need the rest to offset the cost of running this campaign). If you can't afford to donate anything, I truly understand, and all I request is that you spread the word to anyone else that you think may be interested in what I'm doing.
Thanks in advance,
Juan
Over 6 1/2 years ago, I started taking dance classes with Body Shift, a mixed ability dance project started by VSA Texas and Forklift Danceworks. Body Shift creates a welcoming environment that empowers people, with and without disabilities, to fully embrace dancing in their own unique way promoting the idea every Body can find enjoyment in contemporary dancing.
Then, about 2 years ago, Body Shift expanded the program by offering us (the old-timers) the chance to go out into the community and perform in front of audiences. I really enjoyed this because it allowed me to show off my talents as a dancer. Plus, as a group, I believe we are doing our part in redefining the term "dancer" to make dancing an activity that anyone can do. Currently, Body Shift dancers are participating in site specific performances in several different outdoor locations throughout the whole community. To see pictures of our performances and stay informed about future performances, visit Body Shift on Facebook. Mixed ability dance has given me a unique way to express myself in a universal language that everyone can understand and I want to pass it on to others.
Next year, I have a chance to take a DanceAbility Teacher Certification course taught by Alito Alessi, the Artistic Director of DanceAbility International and co-founder of DanceAbility. Alito has been involved with the evolution of contemporary dance for the past 30 years, and is internationally known as a pioneering teacher and choreographer in the fields of contact improvisation, and dance and disability. His course will be 4 weeks of intense 8-hour days, but will be broken up into 2 week intervals during May and December of 2015. He will teach us what true mixed ability is and how to teach it to anyone who wants to learn, no matter what their abilities are. Yes, it is going to be a lot of hard work, but I know I'm ready for it!
I would really appreciate your support in taking this next step. I am trying to raise $2,000 by the beginning of February to pay registration fees for the training.(Registration is only $1,800, but I need the rest to offset the cost of running this campaign). If you can't afford to donate anything, I truly understand, and all I request is that you spread the word to anyone else that you think may be interested in what I'm doing.
Thanks in advance,
Juan
Organizer
Juan Munoz
Organizer
Austin, TX
