ComMotion Newsletter Archive
ComMotion featured on WPTF Afternoon News
October 2024
An organization is working to build community and improve well being through adaptive and inclusive movement. The organization has been recognized for it’s work with cancer survivors and veterans. Jon Champion talks with the Executive Director of ComMotion, Robin McCall.
Click here to listen: https://rss.com/podcasts/wptf-afternoon-news/1719469/
ComMotion receives Sepassi Spirit Award from Partners of the Americas
October 2024
ComMotion has received the prestigious Sepassi Spirit Award from Partners of the Americas for the work they did through their Biblioteca Madre project. The award honors ComMotion's continuous efforts to connect, serve, and change the lives of individuals and communities. The award was presented to ComMotion at a special award ceremony held at the Hall of the Americas, Organization of American States, in Washington, D.C., during the Partners of the Americas 60th Anniversary Gala.
Inspired by President Kennedy and founded in 1964 under the Alliance for Progress, Partners of the Americas is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with international offices in Washington, D.C.
Facilitator Training for Community Health Workers
September 2024
In partnership with El Centro Hispano, we launched a Facilitator Training Program for Community Health Workers. Starting with a lecture presentation at the Community Health Worker Symposium, the program includes a series of practicum sessions and homework activities utilizing our Facilitator App. Upon completion of the program, graduates will have the skills and experience to lead small group wellness & movement activities.
This program is possible thanks to the generous support of Duke University.
Workshops for veterans across Puerto Rico
August 2024
We were honored to work with veterans across Puerto Rico! From San Juan to Ponce to Mayaguez, we were moving and having fun with veterans and their care partners. Thank you to the Recreation Therapy and Blind Rehabilitation Services staff of the VA Caribbean Health System for arranging a wonderful series of programs.
This program was funded in part by a grant from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The opinions, findings and conclusions stated herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
Biblioteca Madre Launch
July 15, 2024
Recognition by Commanding Officer of Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Battalion East
June 2024
ComMotion and our partner organization, Onslow County Adaptive Sports and Recreation, were presented with a certificate of recognition by the commanding officer of the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Battalion East, recognizing our contribution to the health & recovery of their Marines.
National Senior Health and Fitness Day
May 2024
ComMotion got moving with new friends at the East Wake Senior Center in Wendell, NC as part of their National Senior Health and Fitness Day program. The day of healthy living activities was sponsored by Alignment Health.
Building health and engagement through the arts
March 2024
ComMotion's recent residency in Dare County, NC was featured in The Coastland Times.
ComMotion receives Partners of the Americas Sub-Award Grant
March 2024
In March 2024, Partners of the Americas awarded five subawards to Partners Chapters and organizational members across the Western Hemisphere to support innovative solutions to community-based challenges. Subawards range from USD$3,000 to USD$16,500 and support projects that promote community-centered waste management; enable youth to be STEM researchers; engage youth in leadership development; foster emotional and academic growth of young students; and empower underrepresented voices in Latin America through dance.
ComMotion's Biblioteca Madre project aims to empower underrepresented voices in Latin America, including Indigenous peoples, females, and people with disabilities, by connecting them with a team of artists and educators to create an online multimedia library showcasing their culture and traditions. Over a virtual collaboration spanning several weeks, artists will be trained to produce educational content with a focus on inclusivity, resulting in modules with lesson plans published in an online library. The initiative, targeting at least five youth-serving organizations and over 200 youth in North Carolina and Latin America, seeks to address the lack of representation and perpetuation of stereotypes in Hispanic/Latinx education, fostering cultural appreciation and empathy for historically marginalized communities.
The Education and Culture Program is supported by funding from the U.S. Department of State and implemented by Partners of the Americas in partnership with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Dance for Every Body at NC Museum of Art
January 2024
ComMotion partnered with the North Carolina Museum of Art to bring inclusive movement activities to their Dance for Every Body event for young adults.
Bringing Rhythms of the Latin World to western North Carolina
January 2024
ComMotion brought their Rhythms of the Latin World workshops to the PreK classes at the four elementary schools in Polk County, North Carolina.
American Therapeutic Recreation Association Town Hall
November 2023
ComMotion hosted a virtual Town Hall with members of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association, where they presented an overview of their recent arts in health collaborations in Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia.
Bringing visual art to life with Nasher Reflections program
November 2023
Celebrating Family in American Sign Language with the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University Reflections Program for people living with Alzheimer's & related dementias and their care partners. These special tours offer people who live with memory loss and their families the opportunity to enjoy art in the moment and to engage with the current exhibitions using multiple senses.
ComMotion visits South America
September 2023
We spent over 3 weeks in Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia where we collaborated with a wide range of artists and educators. From the Arte en Salud team at the Hospital Italiano in Buenos Aires to the Hogar de Cristo in Santiago to rural schools in the Altiplano region of Bolivia, we were able to connect and share with all ages and abilities. Our work in Bolivia was a Travel Grant project with the La Paz and Altiplano Chapter of Partners of the Americas.
To read more about this trip, click here.
The Education and Culture Professional Travel Grant is supported by funding from the U.S. Department of State and implemented by Partners of the Americas in partnership with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Air Force Wounded Warrior Program CARE Week San Antonio
August 2023
We're in San Antonio this week for the Air Force Wounded Warrior South Central CARE Event. Participants danced from their seats and had a fabulous time.
Adaptive Martial Arts Workshop
July 2023
We partnered with Master Chang's Martial Arts for a fun and inclusive afternoon of movement for all!
ComMotion receives NC Peace Prize
May 7, 2023
In a ceremony that began with speeches and ended with people dancing, the North Carolina Peace Corps Association (NCPCA) presented its annual North Carolina Peace Prize on May 7 to Community in Motion (ComMotion).
“They touch people’s lives and help Americans learn about other countries -- in this case through dance,” NCPCA Vice President Jennifer Chow, RPCV/Mongolia, said at the event at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh. “They exemplify the ideals that thousands of North Carolinians have pursued as Peace Corps Volunteers.”
The North Carolina Peace Prize was established over 20 years ago to honor small North Carolina community-based, nonprofit groups that honor the values of the Peace Corps: helping people to help themselves and promoting peace and cross-cultural understanding. The prize consists of a financial contribution and recognition at a ceremony held in the spring in Raleigh, NC.
Read full story: NC Peace Corps Association
CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER JOINS COMMOTION TEAM
February 2023
Sandi Painter has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2009. She has over 25 years of experience working in high volume human service environments, including 13 years as a therapist in women’s health clinics. Her therapy approach is primarily based in Bowen Family Systems Theory, and also uses cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices. As a young adult, she learned to dance by participating in a community based African Caribbean dance company for almost 10 years, and found it therapeutic and fun! She enjoys participating in and sharing the gift of music and dance when given the opportunity. When she is not working, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family, friends, and in nature.
visit to bertie county
January 23-25, 2023
ComMotion had a wonderful time in Bertie County, where over 300 elementary school students grooved to the Rhythms of the Latin World. They had a blast learning some new dance steps while practicing their Spanish numbers. We also visited the Three Rivers Health & Rehabilitation Center, The Brian Center, and The River’s Edge, and 60 of their senior residents got moving from their chairs.
Thank you to the Bertie County Arts Council for organizing this trip, which was funded by the Grassroots Arts Program (GAP) and the North Carolina Arts Council.
ComMotion Facilitator Training
December 2022
ComMotion students learned about the intersection of arts and health, and how to make their activities inclusive to a range of abilities and cultures. We had 26 graduates and are eager to see what they do with their training.
OVER $1,300 RAISED!
November 29, 2022
Thank you to our wonderful donors for giving so generously in support of aging adults during this year's Giving Tuesday event.
COMMOTION FEATURED IN WALTER MAGAZINE
November 2022
ComMotion was featured in the November 2022 issue of Walter Magazine in their article "Give Local 2022: 25 Triangle Organizations to Support this Season"
https://waltermagazine.com/community/give-local-2022-25-triangle-nonprofits-to-support/
"What's Best for Breasts?" Symposium
October 8, 2022
ComMotion was a panelist at the Duke Cancer Institute's What's Best for Breasts symposium. They shared information about the many health benefits of ComMotion's programs for survivors.
Ashley Thomas joins ComMotion Board of Directors
September 2022
We are thrilled to announce that Ashley Thomas has joined the ComMotion Board of Directors. She is the Founder and CEO of Bridge II Sports (www.bridge2sports.org). Bridge II Sports creates opportunities for youth, adults, and Veterans with physical disabilities to ‘Find The Player Within’ through the power of adapted sports.
Ashley is a public speaker/trainer/writer on many issues in the world of disability, working within her community and the state for access to recreation. Her creative side developed adapted sport competitions such as Valor Games Southeast for our Veterans, August Madness, Paddle Lake Crabtree, andGiGe (Girls Inspired, Girls Empowered). Bridge II Sports runs 10 year-round sports and hosts regional competitions. The design is to include diverse types of physical disabilities in one event, nurturing understanding of different disabilities.
Dance in the Park
July 23, 2022
ComMotion and Saluda Moon Glass Studio & Gallery hosted a fun community dance in the heart of historic Saluda, NC.
Getting moving with AFW2 Adaptive Sports
July 13, 2022
ComMotion and the warriors of Air Force Wounded Warrior Adaptive Sports started the training day off right with some fun movement activities! ComMotion is thrilled to be conducting a variety of movement workshops at C.A.R.E. Week in San Antonio.
Over $2,000 raised!
July 12, 2022
Thank you to Victoria Thio, Carla Perkins, Tammy Aldredge, and 2 Anonymous donors for giving so generously in support of aging adults during this year's Give65 Event, hosted by Home Instead Charities. Thank you for believing in our mission and for giving hope to aging adults.
Latin dance workshop with TheGifted Arts GiftedSummer
July 7, 2022
ComMotion taught a Latin dance workshop during Dance Week of GiftedSummer Camp. TheGifted Arts is youth elevation and performing arts organization that uplifts and artistically trains young people, within a culture that values identity, purpose, leadership and embodies confidence and excellence. They strongly believe in the power of intention — that with racial and social justice and liberated black and brown communities, youth will magnify their personal power. To learn more, visit https://www.thegiftedarts.org/
Social worker joins commotion staff
June 20, 2022
Rachel Palermo, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has joined the ComMotion staff to help maximize the many cognitive, psychological, and physical health benefits of our programs.
Rachel earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology at McNeese State University in 2017 and her Master’s degree in Social Work from The University of Memphis in 2019. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in both in-patient and out-patient settings. Rachel completed her clinical training at The Pediatric Center and Oceans Behavioral Hospital. This experience enriched her clinical skills in individual and group therapy while working with diverse populations. Rachel enjoys using somatic movement in her therapeutic practice. She believes engaging the mind/ body connection is essential for healing. Outside of her time working, Rachel enjoys connecting to family and friends, bike riding, and long walks with her dog, Oliver.
Rhythms of the Latin World at Holly Ridge Elementary School
June 8, 2022
Students at Holly Ridge Elementary School learned about several countries in Latin America through ComMotion's "Rhythms of the Latin World" workshops, through the Artists in Schools program of the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County,
SOFE 2022 at Durham County Library
June 4, 2022
ComMotion partnered with Arts Access to provide movement activities at the Durham County Library as a part of the Series of Fortunate Events. The program was inspired by the book "We Move Together".
Arts Access presents the Series of Fortunate Events (SOFE) annually, to highlight the diversity and creativity that exists within disability communities. Arts Access uses SOFE as a platform to promote the work of artists and performers with disabilities.
Adaptive Dance Series
June 3-5, 2022
The Adaptive Dance Series is a virtual weekend of free dance workshops designed specifically for children and adults with emotional, cognitive, and physical disabilities. Participants will connect with a community of movers from across the country through a variety of dance styles, including contemporary, jazz, ballet, and latin styles. Regardless of previous dance experience, participants will gain a unique virtual experience through adaptive movement workshops.
These workshops are presented by Attack Theatre, ComMotion, Joey’s P.A.W., and Yes, You Can Dance. This free weekend series includes a kick-off information session (featuring a mindful movement activity with Open Up Pittsburgh) on Friday at 5:00pm, an entire day of workshops on Saturday, and three afternoon workshops on Sunday finishing with special guest speakers, Tanya and Boone, at 4:00pm.
Air Force Wounded Warrior Program C.A.R.E. Event in Colorado Springs
May 16-20, 2022
ComMotion taught workshops for the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program (AFW2) at their C.A.R.E. Event in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The Warrior Care Division at AFPC is charged with providing non-medical care management and personalized support to Air Force Wounded Warriors. This support is provided through six annually-offered regional Warrior C.A.R.E Events integrating all support programs into one platform to strengthen mental, physical, spiritual and social well-being of enrolled Wounded Warriors and Caregivers. “C.A.R.E” represents four AFW2 support programs: Caregiver Support, Adaptive Sports and Ambassador Workshop, Recovering Airman Mentorship Program, Resiliency Programming and Empowerment in Transition.
https://www.woundedwarrior.af.mil/Events/Warrior-Care-Events/Peterson-CARE-Event/
ComMotion Spirit Squad at 2022 Komen Triangle Race for the Cure
April 30, 2022
The ComMotion Spirit Squad had so much fun cheering on the survivors and supporters at the Komen Triangle Race for the Cure!!
NC Center for Afterschool Programs Synergy Conference
April 22, 2022
ComMotion was honored to give a presentation about their collaborative project "The Rhythms of My Community/Los Ritmos de Mi Comunidad" at the NC Center for Afterschool Programs Synergy Conference.
The Synergy Conference convenes hundreds of out-of-school time providers, including faith-based organizations, community colleges, universities, child advocacy groups, community entities, and other stakeholders to share insight on research-based practices, effective programs, and public policies that impact students and their overall success in school and life. Elected officials and policymakers are invited to attend in order to hear how grassroots efforts are making a difference in the local community, families, and through student achievement.
ComMotion presents webinar for Kennedy Center
April 13, 2022
ComMotion was honored present a webinar for the Kennedy Center Access/VSA International Network Webinar Series. The webinar was titled "Exploring the Rhythms of the Latin World: how combining technology, dance, and authentic voices will engage your students through adaptive and inclusive movement programs."
The webinar explained how to combine the power of technology, unique partnerships, and multidisciplinary arts to bring authentic voices of Latin America into the classroom.
Taking The Rhythms of My Community across North Carolina
April 6-14, 2022
In less than one week we got to bring our educational program "The Rhythms of My Community" to over 1,000 PreK through 8th grade students in Tyrrell County, Bertie County, and Polk County, North Carolina!
We traveled over 400 miles, from Columbia and Windsor in eastern NC to Mill Spring, Tryon, Saluda, and Sunny View in western NC. At every school, we worked with amazing students and teachers, exploring the cultures of five different countries through movement and music. It was so wonderful to hear from the students, such as the young lady at Windsor Elementary who proudly told us that her family is from the Caribbean to the young man at Saluda Elementary who said "That's a dance I'll never forget!"
These programs were made possible through the support and sponsorship of:
NC Arts Council Grassroots Arts Program
Bertie County Arts Council
Bertie County Schools
Polk County Schools
Tyrrell County Schools
To learn more about "The Rhythms of My Community", visit https://commotionnc.org/rhythms-of-my-community/
Partners of the Americas What Works Conference
March 31, 2022
ComMotion presented their multicultural, multimedia, multi-sensory educational program "The Rhythms of My Community/Los Ritmos de Mi Comunidad" at the 2022 Partners of the Americas What Works Conference.
ComMotion's Artistic Director at Alumni TIES program
March 21-25, 2022
Andre Avila was invited to participate in the The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) sponsored Alumni Thematic International Seminar (TIES) on "American Identity: Exploring Our Collective Memory, Heritages, and Histories."
The Alumni Thematic International Exchange Seminars (Alumni TIES) program is funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by World Learning and the Office of Alumni Affairs in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the State Department. To learn more about the Alumni TIES program, please visit https://www.alumnities.org/.
Engaging Virtual Learners
March 15, 2022
ComMotion delivered a virtual workshop for teaching artists, covering tips and tricks for fun and engaging virtual programming.
This program was sponsored by Arts Access.
Polk County students, families engage in creative project to learn about other countries
February 21, 2022
From PolkStudents.com and Tryon Daily Bulletin
A group of Polk County Schools students and their families recently had an opportunity to once again take part in activities relating to the “Rhythms of My Community” project.
Families of students in grades first through third were asked to participate in a family engagement activity similar to the one they previously completed, that involving families creating robots from recyclables.
This second activity encouraged families to choose and research another country for Robot Max to visit. Students were asked to include an outline of the country, describe popular music and dance and detail animals that live in their chosen country.
Imagining and drawing a new character, who could lead Robot Max on a tour of the country, allowed for student creativity in this research activity. Each family then created an informational poster to share with other students.
Greensboro Parks and Recreation Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation Program
February 10, 2022
ComMotion had so much fun dancing at the Greensboro Sportsplex with our new friends from the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation Program. We danced to a variety of classics and new hits. Sitting down and standing up, everyone had a great time. We're look forward to another program in March!
The mission of the Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation (AIR) Section of Greensboro Parks and Recreation is to provide recreation services for individuals of all abilities. To learn more, visit https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/parks-recreation/adaptive-inclusive-recreation
Bringing history to life through movement with The Smithsonian
February 2, 2022
ComMotion partnered with the Smithsonian Institution to create a multisensory virtual experience for their See Me at the Smithsonian program for people with dementia and their care partners. They combined the power of movement and music, together with their immersive green-screen technology, to bring to life objects from the collection of the National Museum of American History. The focus of the program was the sit-in by the “Greensboro Four” at the Woolworth’s lunch counter in 1960, which launched the non-violent sit-in movement in support of civil rights. Staff from the National Museum of American History facilitated discussion about the lunch counter and images associated with it. Next, ComMotion’s Artistic Director Andre Avila led the group through a series of movement activities relating to the objects and the civil rights movement. He was positioned in front of images of the counter and other museum collection objects through the use of the green screen and incorporated music from the civil rights movement.
As described in in the Harvard University publication “Dancing and the Brain”, the combination of movement and music provides numerous positive health benefits, including memory improvement and strengthened neuronal connections. ComMotion collaborates with a wide range of partners to bring multi-sensory programs to participants of all ages and abilities.
Dancing with our friends at SarahCare Adult Day Care Center at Lake Boone Trail
January 28, 2022
We are so happy to be dancing in-person again with our wonderful friends at SarahCare Adult Day Care Center at Lake Boone Trail, in Raleigh NC. The participants are full of energy and joy! The staff is wonderful and they always join in the fun as well.
June Spry-Leverton, Activity Director at Sarahcare said "We love the program! It is amazing!"
To see some fun videos, visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SarahCareAdultDayCareCenterAtLakeBooneTrail
More about SarahCare:
SarahCare Lake Boone Trail Adult Day Care Center specializes in caring for senior adults with Alzheimer's and related dementia as well as those with physical and cognitive impairments. Participants enjoy a warm atmosphere, socialization and multiple daily activities.
SarahCare keeps families together at home by providing health-related care for seniors during the day in an upscale country-club-like center. At the heart of SarahCare is a uniquely designed program that provides safe and active environments for seniors who require assistance during the day and provide peace of mind for their family members who need to continue working or need respite. We provide nursing services to participants who have a variety of impairments and health problems such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, stroke, incontinency problems and isolation and loneliness. SarahCare offers flexible scheduling to meet the needs of the participants and caregivers.
Oakview Elementary School moves to The Rhythms of the Latin World
December 1, 2021
Students at Oakview Elementary School in Raleigh had a virtual trip through Latin America through ComMotion's Rhythms of the Latin World video program. They learned about the cultures of several different countries, and got moving to the iconic music and dance styles.
The school's Cultural Arts Representative shared: “We are enjoying our Cultural Arts Program in Music and PE this week with ComMotion…Latin American music and dance."
Oakview Elementary brought ComMotion to their students through the Artists in Schools program of the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County. They provide noncompetitive grants to schools to help provide Artists in Schools programs for their staff and students.
Workshops at Centennial Campus Middle School
November 30, 2021
Waverly Hematology Oncology to sponsor Healthy Movements for Cancer Survivors for the 3rd year in a row!
November 23, 2021
(WaverlyHematologyOncology.com)
Waverly Hematology Oncology (Waverly) offers centralized easy access cancer care for Cary, North Carolina patients and is conveniently located at the intersection of two major highways, Route 1 and Highway 64 (Tryon Road). In private practice since 2004, Waverly represents two medical oncologists, three physician assistants and a team of over 40 employees, 17 of which have over 10 years of employment. A community-based practice, Waverly offers medical oncology, chemotherapy, infusion therapy, laboratory services, an on-site pharmacy and has the oldest cancer genetics clinic in Wake County. At its site at 300 Ashville Avenue, services such as diagnostic radiology, breast imaging, radiation oncology and surgery, are also offered by other practices located within the same building.
For over 30 years Dr. Graham has been an active clinical investigator through the NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP), a cancer clinical trials network in the U.S., leading in patient accrual and data. Waverly is also the only Triangle site of the Southeast Clinical Oncology Research (SCOR), representing over 20 communities in six states.
Waverly expanded the practice in 2015 and opened the first formal Cancer Survivorship Clinic in the county that now includes over 2,000 breast cancer survivors and those at high risk for breast cancer.
Air Force Wounded Warrior Program CARE Week San Antonio
November 16-19, 2021
ComMotion had a great time teaching a combination of in-person and virtual programs for the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program.
ComMotion Students win at 2018 VA Creative Arts Festival
ComMotion students participated in the 2018 Durham VA Creative Arts Festival competition. They won the following:
1st Place - Structured Classical Ballroom
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place - Structured Latin Ballroom
3rd Place - Country/Western/Folk/Ethnic
Rhythms of My Community featured on WLOS ABC 13
October 25, 2021
Rhythms of My Community kicks off at Polk County Schools
October 25, 2021
ComMotion presents at National ParaSport Conference
October 14, 2021
ComMotion is part of Move United On Demand
September 20, 2021
ComMotion receives grant from NC Arts Council
September 17, 2021
Founded in 1967 with the democratic vision of “arts for all citizens,” the North Carolina Arts Council sustains and grows the arts for the benefit of North Carolinians and their communities.
The North Carolina Arts Council strives to deliver resources for arts development to all 100 counties of the state through programs that are fair, transparent and accountable.
The Arts Council is an agency of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. A 24-member citizen board, appointed by the Governor, advises the Secretary of the Department on policies, programs, and research that supports arts development across North Carolina.
ComMotion receives grant from Mary Duke Biddle Foundation
September 10, 2021
ComMotion receives multi-year grant from Triangle Community Foundation
September 1, 2021
The Triangle Community Foundation has awarded ComMotion a multi-year grant of $22,500 from their Cultural Arts Grant program.
From their website:
Triangle Community Foundation is building a stronger Triangle for all. By working with dedicated donors and strong nonprofits, we are able to guide gifts in a strategic way to fill in gaps, reduce inequities, and solve the region’s most pressing challenges.
We work tirelessly in the Triangle region of North Carolina to help build a more vibrant community for everyone. By taking a broad view, we are uniquely positioned to identify gaps, support the most important needs, and shape a brighter future for generations to come.
Dancing again at Ruth Sheets Adult Day Center
August 16, 2021
It was so wonderful to see our good friends at Ruth Sheets Adult Day Center in person again!
ComMotion is supported by the United Arts Council of Raleigh & Wake County.
Artists in Schools Expo
August 12, 2021
ComMotion showcased "The Rhythms of the Latin World" for school Cultural Arts Representatives the virtual Artists in Schools Expo of the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County.
ComMotion receives grant from United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County
July 23, 2021
ComMotion is honored to be a recipient of a Mission Support Grant from the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County.
The United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County (United Arts) partners with businesses, individuals, foundations, and government to reach over 1.2 million people across Wake County annually through its grants, programs, and events. United Arts, a nonprofit organization, has worked for more than 30 years to build a better community through the support of and advocacy for the arts.
Return to the Rutherford County Senior Center
July 14, 2021
It was great to dance with our friends at the Rutherford County Senior Center again after more than a year!
Kennedy Center Teaching Artists Present
July 7, 2021
ComMotion is part of the Kennedy Center Teaching Artists Present program, with their instructional video on the basics of the Bachata dance. Check it out at:
https://www.kennedy-center.org/video/education/dance-world/dancing-bachata-with-andre-avila/
Another virtual workshop with Carretica Cuentera in Costa Rica
July 7, 2021
Workshop with future healthcare professionals of Greensboro AHEC
June 28, 2021
The future healthcare professionals of the Greensboro Area Health Education Center learned about the health benefits of dance through a ComMotion workshop during their Virtual Health Science Summer Camp.
Preschool dance classes with Spanish for Fun
June-July 2021
Pre-Walk Dance Party with ALS Association
June 25, 2021
Polk County Schools Summer Learning Program
June-July 2021
Dance party for kids whose family has been touched by ALS
June 1, 2021
Today we got to have a super-fun virtual glow stick dance party with the young campers at Joe's Camp, organized by The Joe Martin ALS Foundation.
Another virtual workshop with our friends in Costa Rica
June 1, 2021
ComMotion featured in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
May 20, 2021
"Arts and Sports - Dance Like a Pro Athlete"
May 12, 2021
To register, visit https://attacktheatre.regfox.com/adaptive-dance-series-for-all
Dance workshop with Lung Cancer Initiative of NC
May 5, 2021
Celebrating teachers!
May 3, 2021
ComMotion featured in CBS17 story
April 27, 2021
WRAL TV Story on 2021 Virtual Race for the Cure
April 24, 2021
ComMotion honored to be a part of Pink Week 2021, with our Dance Where You Are virtual dance class!
ComMotion featured in Move United magazine
Spring 2021
Click here to view the magazine online: https://www.moveunitedsport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Move-United-Magazine-Spring-2021.pdf
Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Closing Forum Dream Team Presentation
April 15, 2021
At the recent Closing Forum for the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI), only 4 of the 260 Fellows from Latin America and Canada were asked to give "Dream Team" presentations about their experiences. ComMotion and their amazing Fellow, Alberto Barrantes of Carretica Cuentera in San Jose, Costa Rica presented "Dancing and Storytelling as powerful tools for community engagement"
Dancing with the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program
April 15, 2021
https://www.facebook.com/AirForceWoundedWarrior/videos/948234045980356/
Joyner Elementary - Virtual and In-Person!
April 13 & 16, 2021
Through the Artists in Schools program of the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, ComMotion taught both virtual and in-person classes for the students of Joyner Elementary School.
NC Central University Master Class
April 12, 2021
Thank you to Dr. Johnson and the wonderful Dance students at NC Central University for inviting ComMotion to teach them about Argentine Tango and Samba today!
Greenville Area Parkinsons Society
April 1, 2021
Rhythms of the Latin World at Holly Ridge Middle School
February 26, 2021
Everybody Moves
February 24, 2021
Join us for Everybody Moves starting this Friday!
Waverly Hematology Oncology sponsors classes for cancer survivors
February 13, 2021
Dance classes with Air Force Wounded Warrior Program
February 10, 2021
https://www.facebook.com/AirForceWoundedWarrior/videos/432544664497360
Rhythms of the Latin World at Underwood Elementary School
February 3, 2021
Virtual workshop with Carretica Cuentera in Costa Rica
January 26, 2021
Carla Perkins joins ComMotion
January 26, 2021
We are thrilled to welcome Carla Perkins to the ComMotion team as a new instructor! Carla is an amazing dancer and dance teacher, and the owner of Danceformation, Inc. Cary and Polished Salon/Spa
Bringing art to life with Nasher Museum Reflections
January 22, 2021
ComMotion got to help people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, their families, and their care partners experience visual art through movement by creating an immersive Zoom experience for the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University's Reflections Program.
https://nasher.duke.edu/programs/reflections-alzheimers-program/
University students get "hands-on" experience with ComMotion....virtually
January 20, 2021
Students from Clemson University and Campbell University are getting practical experience in to support their studies in Recreational Therapy and Physical Therapy through virtual practicums and service learning with ComMotion.
Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative Fellow - Alberto Barrantes of Costa Rica
January 18, 2021
Alberto Barrentes, founder of Carretica Cuentera in San Jose Costa Rica, will be working with ComMotion as a Fellow in the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative. To learn more about Alberto and Carretica, visit our About Us page.
Virtual Dance Class with Ruth Sheets Adult Day Care
December 20, 2020
Dance classes with Air Force Wounded Warrior Program
November 18, 2020
Raquel Reynolds joins ComMotion
October 28, 2020
We're very excited to have Raquel Reynolds join ComMotion as an Instructor! She is both an amazing teacher and a world champion competitive dancer!
Caregivers Summit 2020
October 22, 2020
ComMotion is very excited to be a speaker at the 2020 Caregivers Summit.
National Organization for Arts in Health Virtual Conference
October 19-21, 2020
ComMotion is honored to be presenting at the 2020 NOAH Virtual Conference!
Rhythms of the Latin World at Wildwood Forest Elementary School
October 9, 2020
ComMotion had so much fun teaching our Virtual Rhythms of the Latin World workshop for the amazing 4th graders at Wildwood Forest Elementary! The students did a great job learning 3 different dances from Latin America! We send a huge thank you to the teachers and cultural arts representatives of the Artists in Schools program of United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County for all of their efforts to continue to bring the arts to their students in these challenging times!
Making Strides on the Dance Floor - Teams Edition
October 2020
The American Cancer Society of the Triangle and Triad are partnering with ComMotion - Community in Motion to launch a fun and new way for teams to come together to make strides toward a world without breast cancer. Whether your team is a group of co-workers, friends, or family members this virtual dance party is a fun and easy way to "get together", relax, and have fun during these difficult times of quarantine and isolation while also raising funds to support a great cause.
Click here to register: https://commotionnc.org/making-strides-on-the-dance-floor-teams-edition/
ComMotion Selected for Raleigh/Wake County Adaptive Leadership Circle
Congratulations to the leaders from twelve local arts organizations chosen to participate in the Raleigh/Wake County Adaptive Leadership Circle, a six-month peer cohort that uses a collaborative approach to improve organizational resiliency in the face of COVID-19’s constant disruptive change. Program partners include United Arts, Raleigh Arts, Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts, and EMCArts with additional support from The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation.
The participants are from
Arts Together, Artspace, ComMotion, North Carolina Chamber Music Institute - NCCMI, North Carolina Master Chorale, North Carolina Opera, North Carolina Theatre, PineCone - Piedmont Council of Traditional Music, Raleigh Little Theatre, The Justice Theater Project, VAE Raleigh, Women's Theatre Festival
Activate Good - United We Help
September 2020
ComMotion is proud to be a community partner with Activate Good. Their United We Help Month of Service continues their tradition of honoring those lost on September 11, 2001 in a new format: A restorative month of service bringing Triangle residents together to participate in safe in-person or remote volunteer opportunities, virtual learning sessions about local community issues, and a virtual 9/11 evening commemoration. To see volunteer opportunities with ComMotion and other local non-profits, please visit https://activategood.org/nonprofit/644
Dance Where You Are
September 11, 2020
ComMotion had a great time hosting "Dance Where You Are with Komen NCTC", part of the 2020 Triangle Virtual Race for the Cure.
ComMotion featured in WRAL video about 2020 Virtual Race for the Cure
September 2, 2020
ComMotion was featured in a video in WRAL's "Out and About" segment, highlighting the Dance Where You Are Class that will be a part of the 2020 Triangle Virtual Race for the Cure. Click here to watch the video on the WRAL website.
Air Force Wounded Warrior 2020 Virtual Care Week
August 21, 2020
ComMotion was honored to be a part of the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program 2020 Virtual Care Week, teaching an online dance class for Warriors and Caregivers, and presenting an overview of ComMotion's programs for veterans in the Care Fair. Click here to read an article on the AFW2 website.
Artists in Schools 2020 Expo: Stay at Home Edition
August 12, 2020
ComMotion presented an overview of the "Rhythms of the Latin World" program at the United Arts Council of Raleigh & Wake County 2020 Artists in Schools Expo.
Dancing Against Cancer in the Triad
July 28, 2020
ComMotion partnered with Relay For Life of Guilford County, NC and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer - Triad, NC to launch "Dancing Against Cancer in the Triad". Proceeds from these fun and easy online dance parties will support both the American Cancer Society and ComMotion's dance programs for cancer survivors.
Online Dance Class with Wounded Warrior Project Houston
July 18, 2020
ComMotion led a really fun dance class for the warriors and caregivers of the Wounded Warrior Project in Houston, TX.
Rhythms of the Latin World Online with the Emily K Center
July 10, 2020
ComMotion had a great time presenting the "Rhythms of the Latin World Online" program to the Pioneer Scholars program of Emily Krzyzewski Center, a non-profit college access organization in Durham, NC.
Making Strides on the Dance Floor - Triangle
Support the fight against breast cancer through the fun and fitness of dancing! The dance party begins on June 17. To register, visit: https://commotionnc.org/making-strides-on-the-dance-floor-triangle/
Duke Cancer Institute Survivorship Day 2020
June 11, 2020
As a part of Duke Cancer Institute Survivorship Day, ComMotion taught an online Latin dance class for survivors. Everyone had so much fun!
Online Dance Classes with the Wounded Warrior Project of NC & SC
5/7/20
ComMotion is having a great time teaching Latin dance classes via Zoom for the veterans and family members of the Wounded Warrior Project! Individuals, couple, friends, and whole families are moving, laughing, and smiling together.
Arts Access Sponsors Subscriptions to Rhythms of the Latin World
5/6/20
Arts Access sponsored 10 subscriptions to ComMotion's "Rhythms of the Latin World" program! See their full newsletter here:https://mailchi.mp/fd182f0d…/arts-access-news-events-3255517
Healthy Movements Online for Cancer Survivors
4/30/20
ComMotion is excited to announce the launch of the online version of our Healthy Movements program for cancer survivors. These fun and upbeat video lessons are 10-20 minutes in length and teach a variety of Latin dances. It's a great way for survivors and their family members to stay active and have fun.
Thanks to the support of many generous donors to our GoFundMe campaign, any prior participants in ComMotion's classes for cancer survivors are eligible to enroll at NO COST!
The fee for new students is $15 per month.
To watch a sneak preview and to enroll, visit:
https://commotionnc.org/for-cancer-survivors/
Wake County Small Business Fundraiser
4/20/20
Our amazing friends at Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More, Raleigh - North are supporting small businesses in Wake County by selling custom t-shirts and donating $10 for each t-shirt sold! Please support ComMotion by visiting the Wake County Small Business Fundraiser website and purchasing an awesome ComMotion t-shirt!
Big Frog Custom T-Shirts and More, a fellow member of Shop Local Raleigh, is a major sponsor of ComMotion's program, especially our Brentwood Boys & Girls Club Dance Team.
Fundraiser Website:
https://wakecountyfundraiser.itemorder.com/product/14021793
ComMotion presentation for Clemson University
4/17/20
Today ComMotion was honored to give a guest lecture, via Zoom, with students in Clemson University Recreational Therapy. The presentation included an overview of ComMotion's programs, an adaptive dance activity, and an extended Q&A session where the students asked lots of great questions. The students were very enthusiastic and we're looking forward to continuing to work with them in the future!
Blaze Sports Class for Veterans cancelled
Unfortunately, due to COVID concerns, the Latin Dance Class for Veterans in Norcross, Georgia that was scheduled for March 20, 2020 has been canceled. We will work on rescheduling.
Dance Enhanced Stress Management (in Spanish)
February - April, 2020
ComMotion partnered with social workers and health educators to provide a multi-faceted program of stress management techniques, including dance, with all instruction provided in Spanish.
Sponsored by Wake County Human Services Women's Health Clinic
2019 Annual Report
Click to view
ComMotion featured on PolkStudents.com
December 8, 2019
ComMotion featured in the Tryon Daily Bulletin
December 20, 2018
