Having the opportunity to share what I love with others in a way that is helpful to them provides me with joy that is hard to describe. I encourage all people my age, whether they are dancers or not, to make a difference in the world around them. All it takes is an idea, some initiative and supportive friends and family - you can do it!
I have decided to create a directory of dance-based community service events and organizations that live the principles and values we identify with here at Performing Hearts. Two such organizations are Dancer’s Responding to Aids or “DRA” and Kids for Kids -- I have had the opportunity to participate as a performer in their annual fundraising events over the last several months. You can click on the following to read more about them:
Kids for Kids - click on the image/logo below for a video describing the organization and the event
Dancers Responding to Aids- click on the image below for a video describing the organization and the event
I will be adding a page to this website before the end of 2009 with a list of similar organization. Please email me with any suggestions for the list at jordyn@performinghearts.com.
American Dance Awards Extends its Relationship with Performing Hearts
Performing Hearts appreciates the wonderful feedback we have received from our friends and many visitors to our web site. One of our primary goals has always been to influence other young people to take the initiative to help others in their communities. Our own inspiration came from ideas that allowed us to do the things we love to do (like dance) as a key part of such initiatives.
American Dance Awards will be including references to Performing Hearts in its communication with studios, teachers and dancers (see example). They will encourage and recognize those who plan and conduct community service events which incorporate their dance skills and memorialize the events with an essay, photos and video. At the end of the season, American Dance Awards and Performing Hearts will jointly recognize the efforts of those making outstanding contributions to their communities with a special presentation at ADA Nationals!
Wagon Road Camp
Our recent trip to Wagon Road Camp was a great success for all! Wagon Road Camp is operated by The Children’s Aid Society and is located on 52 beautiful wooded acres in Chappaqua, NY. Their Respite Program provides year-round camping experiences for physically and developmentally disabled children whose families would otherwise not be able to afford such specialized programming.
One of the things that made our visit so special was the way in which the camp director, Vince Canziani, the program director, James, and all the volunteers worked side-by-side with our team to make the event enjoyable for all the campers. Another special aspect of this event was the collaboration of dancers from different dance studios from New York and New Jersey. Our team for the day included Jordyn Luks from For Dancers Only, Kristin Lavo from Danek School of Dance, Tiffany Lee from The Performing Arts Academy, JP Ferreri from Dance World Academy, and Jason Luks from For Dancers Only.
The Prudential Spirit of Community Award
Performing Hearts has been recognized in conjunction with the the Spirit of Community Awards Program. The awards program, now in its sixth year, is sponsored by The Prudential Insurance Company of America in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Entries were received from over 23,000 individuals representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
The Spirit of Community award celebrates community service at the middle school and high school levels. Performing Hearts representatives were proud to be a part of this incredible program. You can learn more about it at Prudential's web site.
Camp Happy Times
Our trip to Camp Happy Times was great! Camp Happy Times is located on a beautiful lake setting in Tyler Hill, Pensylvania. The Valerie Fund sponsors the camp which hosted 175 young people and 100 volunteers during the last week in August. Our first impressions were wonderful. Although the camp was only in its 3rd day, it seemed like everyone we met felt "at home."
At the end of the day, we felt that we had really shared a fun time with the kids, our peers. Millie and her staff made it easy for us. The facilities were great and they encouraged the kids to participate by their example... I think the counselors got a real workout! On our way home, we reflected on how our anxieties regarding how the day would work out had vanished almost instantly upon arriving at Camp Happy Times, replaced by a warm feeling that will never be forgotten. Thank you to all the kids and volunteers who helped us make a little difference. We look forward to visiting again.
YOU can be ... What's New!
You can help grow Performing Hearts. Over the last two years, we have received hundreds of friendly messages -- all encouraging us to continue; many expressing interest in helping. If you review some of these notes in our guestbook, you will notice that they have been sent to us from all over the U.S.A.
Our focus and goal for 2009/2010 will be to encourage you and to support you in taking action in your community, regardless of where in the country (or on the planet) you live. If you are interested, please email us and we will respond -- we will help you develop ideas, help you establish contacts you might need, and help you work through the typical challenges you may encounter along the way................
You can start my reaching out to your friends and to your family -- they will probably be very excited about helping you plan your personalized Performing Hearts and very willing to join you in your efforts. In addition to lending our support, we will also recognize your successes on the Performing Hearts web site as a celebration of your accomplishments and to continue to encourage others to do the same.