Through Our Eyes,In Our Voices,The ARTS in our Lives, Cynthia's story

I first met Cynthia via social media when she first reached out to me in response to my initial idea of marketing the impact and power of the arts through stories placing a humanistic value on the arts after the election. She has encouraged me every step of the way. Since that initial contact we have become friends and she believes in the power and impact of the arts as much as I do and she has helped spread the word about our campaign when and wherever she can. She is an amazingly committed and enthusiastic individual when it comes to her belief in the arts and I want to thank her for all her help. She is a true ARTS warrior.                                                                                                                                   Together we can make things happen.

First and foremost, I want to thank dance for helping me overcome the adversity I have experienced throughout my life.  

I am grateful to share my story and the birth of “ art moves “ as it is my gift to children for they have been instrumental in my advocacy initiatives. 

I wouldn’t be the woman standing today without the arts. I was a shy, introverted child. I didn’t talk at school for fear of being wrong in front of my teacher and peers. I wanted to be perfect. My mother enrolled me in a ballet class at the local the YMCA, and the rest was history. I excelled in dance, which gave me the self confidence, focus, life skills, which taught me hard work which is instrumental to one’s success.  I found a safe place to grow intellectually, physically, and spiritually.

I was in college and had just declared myself as a dance major when my father was diagnosed and passed away from cancer.  My coursework was my outlet and coping mechanism that I attribute getting me through that tragic time in my life. The arts heal.

 Since I can remember dance has been an expressive tool that has allowed me to speak even when I couldn’t. It still holds true to this day. Little did I know then, that dance would one day become my life work. As a dance educator, my greatest joy is sharing my passion of the arts to empower my students and our future.

The birth of ArtMoves:

I currently reside in Los Angeles, California where I have been a dance specialist for the Los Angeles Unified School District for the past thirteen years.  Living in Los Angeles as a single woman solely on a humble teachers salary has prohibited me from participating in many areas for professional advancement. As a public school dance itinerant, I witnessed a new generation of children that are dealing with multiple hardships and stress factors that I knew and understood all too well. These challenges make it difficult for them to focus, learn, experience the arts, and prepare for their future. I have found more children coming from broken homes, experiencing financial challenges, and some form of bullying/emotional/physical abuse to name a few.

 With that said, I decided to lead by example and create my own professional advancement to empower youth through my book and brand art moves. I single-handedly launched a children's dance advocacy platform to improve the lives of children and communities through my workshop series ”You are a Masterpiece” and “Masterpiece Movers.” It is my true belief that each child is a “masterpiece.”  These workshop series empowers children and cultivates inner strength and beauty while advocating for what they believe in. I want them to see themselves in a whole new visual light and use their self-value to advocate for themselves. The storytelling of our dance pioneers reveals how our personal power can help shape and change the world. I have seen transformations in how my students see themselves, and to me, that is priceless.

As a guest lecturer, I have been humbled to have had the opportunity share my story with many families and children. My recent appearances include; LAUSD workshops, California Arts Council, Save the Arts, Pacific Lodge Youth Services, The Tyler Project, professional development, Step Up Women’s Network, Accent Dance Studios, and Belhaven University. art moves was recently honored and featured in the “heroes” section by the Global Dance Initiative.

I am proud to announce “art moves” 4th annual charity event Kostumes for Kids”  A Halloween costume drive serving the families and children of the Ronald McDonald House and L.A. Housing.

I hope to continue empowering our future through my workshop series and community outreach through collaborating with art institutions, non-profits, and community events – showcasing that every person is a masterpiece!

 For more info: www.artmovesonline.com