We're Baaaack!

On our way, at least. The next months will bring about a new event series, in partnership with Life, Rhythm Move Project. More to come on that soon.

In the meantime, we would love to hear from you: What do YOU want to see in an event series?

Thanks for sticking with us. This time off has been a good thing. We will be back bigger and better from here on out.

Make Noise!

Emily Arden
Director

Join Dance4Life USA!

Dance4Life USA 2008 Heart Connection Tour Job Description/Post

Dance4Life is a dynamic international initiative, which inspires, motivates, and unites young people. It gives youth around the world a powerful voice in the response to the growing global HIV and AIDS pandemic and the stigma and taboos that surround them. Half of all new HIV infections are among youth, 25 years of age and younger. Dance4Life informs, mobilizes, and unifies young people through dance, music, and peer education to become active catalysts and “Agents of Change” in the effort to stop the spread of HIV and AIDS.

Dance4Life USA is a program of Students Partnership Worldwide (SPW), an international, youth-led development agency that trains peer educators to work in rural communities in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Dance4Life USA is working in partnership with Metro TeenAIDS (MTA) and RedZebra U.S. to target 10 Washington, DC public schools and at least 5,000 students this fall to become active Agents of Change and empower them to address and prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS in their communities.

The Heart Connection Tour (HCT) is at the center of the Dance4Life schools program. The Tour engages peer volunteers to reach out to schools and give young people the knowledge necessary to protect themselves, as well as the motivation to inform their peers and take action in response to today’s global HIV pandemic. The team of dancers, musicians, and peer educators teach students the international Dance4Life drill, share their personal experiences with HIV and AIDS, and inspire students through an interactive and engaging 90-minute presentation.

Dance4Life USA is looking for volunteer dancers, drummers, musicians, peer educators, and/or experienced youth leaders willing to join us in creating the 2008 Pilot Heart Connection Tour program, based in Washington, DC. HCT members should be from the DC area, or willing to provide their own transportation and accommodations and should be between the ages of 16-30. Team members receive a $50 per day stipend and must be available for the full five-day training (October 13-17^th, 2008) and for at least one week of the Tour (October 20-24^th and/or 27^th-30^th, 2008). HCT members should be outgoing, motivated, responsible, and interested in empowering and working interactively with young people.

All applications can be emailed, faxed, or mailed to:

Email: supportdance4life@spw-usa.org

Fax: 202.408.1429 attn: Emily Arden

Mail: 1413 K St NW 5^th Floor Washington, DC 20005 attn: Emily Arden

All applications must be received by Friday August 22, 2008.

All applicants will be contacted via email or phone by Monday September 1, 2008.

Please click here for more information and to download the application form. All questions should be sent to supportdance4life@spw-usa.org.

Dance4Life USA is seeking an intern!

INTERNSHIP

The Dance4Life USA Associate will support the Dance4Life Coordinator in implementing the program’s fundraising and communication plans. This internship will be a solid resume-builder that provides in-depth exposure to non-profit fundraising and programming for social justice, international health and development, and an understanding of non-profit management in general. Skills developed may include communication, marketing, event organizing and materials development.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The main role of the Dance4Life USA Associate will be to assist the Dance4Life USA Coordinator with fundraising and program management on a day-to-day basis. The following list provides examples of roles and responsibilities associated with the position, although duties will also reflect the interests and experience of the intern, and the needs of the program.

- Maintenance of all online platforms
- Correspondence and maintenance of support Dance4Life database including:
- Collect and document all recruitment applications received, help with recruitment process
- Assist in creating and editing additional written materials as needed
- Assist with events, including but not limited to, gathering materials, attending events, disseminating information for upcoming events

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Education and Experience
o The applicant should hold or be studying for an under- graduate degree and poses exceptional writing abilities and interpersonal skills. Graduate students will be considered.
o All applicants should have a demonstrated interest in local and international health & development issues.
o Fundraising and materials development, and international volunteer experiences, a plus.
• Communication and Organization
o Strong communication skills, with particularly strong writing abilities.
o Solid interpersonal skills and ability to interact professionally with diverse constituencies.
o Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
o Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently and prioritize efficiently.
o Demonstrated willingness to take initiative and work independently when needed.
• Other
o Proficient in MS Office software, with experience of MS Access
This internship is for 20 - 30 hours per week. While hours are flexible, preference will be given to applicants who can commit to a regular schedule.
This is an unpaid internship, however, a stipend will be provided for transportation and lunch.
To Apply:
Interested students should submit a cover letter, resume, 1 page non-academic writing sample, and the contact details for two references to info@spw-usa.org. Please state Dance4Life USA Associate Application in the subject line.

Incomplete application submissions will NOT be considered.

Unfortunately, SPW will only contact applicants who have been selected for interview.

Application closing date: 15th August 2008

DMV goes to Hollywood

Congratulations to recently featured Comp Noise artists and DC's own Boogie Bots Crew for their continued success on America's Best Dance Crew!!

Watch them do their thang Thursdays @ 10pm on MTV. And while you're at it, vote for them here.

Much love and props to the crew for all of their hard work and dedication. WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Artomatic 2008. A Must Visit for the Hip and In the Know DCers.

Artomatic 2008 is housed in a brand spakin' new office building with incredible views of the city. The space itself is quite incredible. The event taking place within its walls, dope.

Artomatic is a month-long multimedia arts event that draws together visual artists, musicians and performers and brings their work to the community. Housed on ten floors, with food and bars, a dance/theater stage, film room, two music stages, poetry lounge and tattoo parlor, this event has something for everyone.

I am especially proud of the dance stage (section of the backdrop pictured above) as I am co-chairing, along with Cheles Rhynes of Mason/Rhynes Productions, the first ever dance stage at an Artomatic event. We have programs going on all month long so check em!

May 9-June 15
1200 First St NE
Capital Plaza I - corner of First & M streets NE - NY Ave Metro
Wed-Thu: 5pm-10pm; Fri-Sat: noon-2am; Sun: noon-10pm; closed Mon-Tue
Free admission; donations welcome

Move-Ments Artist: Emily Arden

Dancer, Organizer, Creative Spirit: Emily Arden is the founder and director of Complementary Noise. What began as a wish, a hope, a thought to use her varied talents to begin to promote urban artists (including herself) in the DC area turned into a reality with assistance from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. After being awarded a Hip Hop Community Arts Initiative Grant in the summer of 2007, Emily made the decision to bring Comp Noise to fruition. Nine months later... Emily is so proud to be bringing Move-Ments to Washington, DC. The collection of artists and talent is extraordinary. It is so exciting to see her work coming together in such exciting and creative ways.
Through her work as a performer, artist, and leader, Emily continues to share the positive impacts that the performing arts can have on empowering youth and communities. She looks forward to sharing Move-Ments with you!

Move-Ments Artist: Tianna Cohen-Paul.

Tianna Cohen-Paul