Who We Are
We began Move With Purpose Inc. because we felt that their was a lack of access to dance within the special needs community. Though special needs dancers are welcome in many dance classes at dance studios across the nation and several even participate in dance conventions, they are usually alone in a class of mostly typical dancers. While we feel this inclusion is AWESOME, we feel that special needs dancers also deserve a dance convention/event to call their own and know that it is designed specifically with them in mind.
Our Project
We Jam is MWP’s primary avenue for providing dance for the special needs community. These events will provide dance classes as well as showcase opportunities to dancers ages 6 and up with intellectual disabilities. We Jam is a two-day workshop where dancers will be given four dance classes per day on both Saturday and Sunday. Styles offered may include: ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, improvisation, etc. Jammers (Dancers) will also be allowed to participate in the Jam Out showcase event. Though it is not required, Jammers may enter the showcase with a solo, duo, trio, or group dance. Each performance will receive written feedback from our faculty about what they have done well and any suggestions for possible improvement. At the end of the event, Jammers will be invited to participate in the Final Jam. This performance will feature what they have learned in their We Jam classes and will be free to friends and family to watch.
Our first ever We Jam event will be held January 12th-14th, 2018 at the Courtyard Marriott Cal Expo in Sacramento, CA. We are also working to secure dates for We Jam Nashville to take place in Tennessee sometime during summer 2018.
Why it Matters
It is our passionate belief at Move With Purpose that dance has a unique opportunity to help empower people with special needs. We believe that dance is an all-inclusive activity that should be shared with all people without regard to one's previous experience or abilities.
We Jam is unlike any other dance event because it is designed specifically with special needs dancers in mind. The spotlight will be on our Jammers and helping them discover all that they can do.
How You Can Help
Our goal is to make We Jam classes completely FREE to eligible participants. So donations of any size will be extremely helpful. The more money we raise for our project, the lower we can make the cost for our Jammers!
In addition to donations we are always looking for Volunteer Dancers who will help our Jammers through their weekend We Jam experience. Though previous is experience with dance and special needs is not necessarily required, it is preferred. You can find applications on our website at www.movewpurpose.org.
Move With Purpose is a verified NGO as well as a tax-exempt organization under the IRC Section 501(c)(3).
Learn more on our website.
