Dancers As A Force For Change

Please Don't Touch, Enforced Arch

James Koroni of Enforced Arch was interviewed by Dance Advantage. Here's a spotlight from that interview and a link to where you can read the rest:

Dance Advantage: Why did you create the Enforced Arch community?

James Koroni, Enforced ArchJames Koroni: All my life I have had a strong desire to sing, dance and entertain everyone. All of which was an attempt to brighten someones day.

As an adult I went through two devastating losses – each breathing new life into my love of performance art – - the death of my brother and later the loss of my father who both died of cancer.

It wasn’t until I felt the severity of my fathers illness that I knew I needed to change my own life. After he died I sought the truth behind the causes for cancer and I found an abundance of resources, including The China Study, linking many causes of cancer to our diets. This sent me on a a course of research that changed my life forever. The first step I took was adopting a vegan lifestyle, not only for my brother & father, but also for my health, the environment, and all of the animals suffering for our dinners. This discovery has filled my life with great intention.

Every moment following that day has contained yet another opportunity to inspire change through my lifestyle and as a dancer/choreographer. Dancers have a unique ability to speak to others and I value those who use this talent to create awareness.

READ MORE HERE!

Friends of Enforced Arch

Enforced Arch Dance CommunityI couldn't be more pleased to say that this has been a huge success for our community! We have demonstrated our ability to pull together for a common goal. Our success represents how much compassion is needed, movements are needed and Enforced Arch community is needed! We have inspired 738 people to vote for our community of compassionate 'Movers' making us the 2nd Best Dance Blog of 2011! Thank you Dance Advantage for hosting this contest and to it's creator Nichelle Strzepek for all the great work she does for the Dance community!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support, love & devotion. We will continue to inspire change in 2012 for those in need. Happy New Year!

Best,

James Koroni Creator, Enforced Arch EnforcedArch@gmail.com

Advantages of Dance: Melinda Marchiano

Melinda_MarchianoAfter reading about Melinda Marchiano on Dance Advantage, I felt compelled to share this article by Nichelle Strzepek with the Enforced Arch community. Cancer has effected my own family twice now, which is why I am pleased to read her story of recovery. The article highlights Melinda's use of dance as a means for emotional support:

Dance Advantage: You’ve said that dance “saved your life” throughout this process. How so?

Melinda Marchiano: Well, originally, it helped us to get a diagnosis. Every time I danced, I had a high pitched cough I called “The Dolphin Cough.” It led us to find the mass in my chest. Dance also “saved” me emotionally by being my outlet during treatment – my goal and passion. 

Melinda Marchiano was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. She’s transformed her confrontation with cancer into something beautiful, documenting her path through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery in a memoir, Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery, which she published in October, 2010. (SOURCE)

To read the rest of her interview, visit: Dance Advantage: Melinda Marchiano