Early this year, our Artistic Director, Sindy Folgar was awarded the FY24 Artists Respond grant by the Connecticut Office of the Arts to develop the Identidad Dance Project.

 

What is the Identidad Dance Project?

Identidad Dance Project is an experiential, live dance performance that offers a “self-identity” workshop and a short dance activity focusing on:

• Creating community

• Self-identity

• Empowerment

• Empathy

• Celebration of Hispanic Heritage

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Where will the Identidad Dance Project will be offered?

This experience will be offered at two Public Schools in Bridgeport Connecticut.

 

When will the Identidad Dance Project take place?

The program is being coordinated, but it will be between September 15th and October 15th, 2024 during Hispanic Heritage Month.

 

Why does the Identidad Dance Project matter?

In Bridgeport, 90% of students are from minority groups and 50.8% of students are economically disadvantaged. There is no budget for students to access live arts performances. Arts Education is as important as the CORE curriculum.

 

Notes from Sindy:

"I am excited for the opportunity to explore a social issue of significant interest to me and at the same time advocate for the importance of dance education. Performing arts have been labeled as entertainment only and while performances are entertaining, they can also be educational, thought-provoking, and make you feel and question things. 

As an artist who uses her body as an instrument, I have tangible evidence that dance has the power to communicate in a way that language can sometimes be limited. The act of working together to prepare for a dance performance and explore a complex topic that could spur thoughtful conversations is a gift and should be accessible to everyone. 

 

Dance can heal, not just the mover but also the observer. Dance and movement do not discriminate, all can experience them, no matter the age, gender expression, socioeconomic and cultural background. Dance brings communities together and helps develop creativity. 

 

I believe that creativity is innate and it is what moves society forward. Performing arts and art education can create meaningful connections, create a safe and brave space to learn from one another, find common ground, and hopefully then be able to engage in difficult conversations to address community/social issues."

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Sindy Folgar, MA Dance Education