NEDA Walk - Oct 2019
In my Fall 2019 semester, DHS organized a group of dancers who attended the National Eating Disorder Association's Walk event in Chicago. At. the site of the walk, there were many stands/booths of local organizations and companies dedicated to helping people with Eating Disorders. As a dancer, eating disorders are much more common in the dance world than seen on surface level. As a community of dancers, it is critical that we support this community in every way possible.
In Motion 2020
In my Spring 2020 semester, I attended the In Motion Film Festival. I attended many events throughout he weekend, but one of my favorite moments during the weekend was the Emerging Artists Screening. After watching many beautiful and powerful films, a panel of artists who had their films presented that day came to the front of the theatre. At that moment, I recognized a former mentor who I had met 2 years prior and connected with her after the show. Her piece (which was only in the beginnings when I met her) had been presented that day. Toni's film memorializing the Holocaust was so moving, antis unpredictable connection made the whole event even more special. After attending In Motion, I realized how moving and powerful dance film can be for social justice movements.
BioFilm for the Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetics
Throughout my Freshman year at Loyola, I was involved in Masha Bandouil's independent study project in which a dance film was created about the basic genetic information taught in schools. This project aimed to use dance and movement as a form of scientific communication. the Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetics offered Masha a scholarship to facilitate the financial needs of the project. Later in the video, it is reported that there are increased genetic dysfunction in the Ashkenazi Jewish population. I am so grateful for Masha's patience and kindness to extend this opportunity to an incoming freshmen, like me. The series of 3 videos is below.
Dancing in their Seats
In the summer of 2020, I created an idea that combined both my interests in dance and Physical Therapy that would serve the community. Even though Covid-19 gave me some hurdles, I was able to create a small program called "Dancing in their Seats" where I lead a virtual, seated workout for seniors and other residents in assisted living homes. This program was designed to maintain as much interaction within the community as possible (especially for those who cannot leave their homes). I created a mission as well as the maintenance of the program if it were to be in person at some point. Currently, I only teach virtually and I submitted and example video to the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health and received recognition for my work. Below, there is a copy of my original plan and the example video.
Dance Honors Society
In my freshman year fall semester, I joined Dance Honors Society. I wanted to join the community of dancers that worked to build and add to the community in Chicago as well as support the broader dance community. We do this by attending the NEDA Walk and providing for Sarah's Circle. This year both events were virtual. Below are part and current pictures of the events DHS attends.
Dance With A Doc
In my Summer of 2021, I spent multiple session with Dr. Aggarwal teaching adaptive dance classes to senior and patients at risk for stroke. The first part of the class was led by Dr. Aggarwal to increase education and awareness about stroke symptoms and prevention strategies. Then, I would lead a seated dance class utilizing music, musical instruments, and singing to engage the patients. This experiences confirmed to me that dance (and the arts in general) is essential to mental and physical well-being.
Momenta Disability Arts
In the Fall 2022, I worked as a volunteer with Momenta and their performance this fall. My responsibilities included welcoming guests, directing guests to the appropriate locations, and chatting with dancers and guests. It was special to see Deb Goodman in her community and witness the beauty and strength in disability arts!
