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JUNTOS

about us JUNTOS (‘together’ in Spanish) is a collective of performing artists in New York City and California committed to social justice and community outreach through dance. Founded in 2008 by college students, the collective grants artists opportunities to teach and perform for the greater community in New York City and abroad. Objectives include: artistic and choreographic growth through social justice; community outreach and leadership; international exposure; intercultural exchange. As a collective dedicated to intercultural exchange through performance art, JUNTOS facilitates global outreach exchanges. Through the collective, artists combine their professional dance with outreach in local communities, orphanages, retirement homes, as well as for large public audiences.

“the great thing about JUNTOS is that it takes this idea that the understanding of different cultures is what will bring peace to the world and connects it to concrete actions.” - Marisa Martin, Excerpt of letter written to the director after Guatemala 2010

Why is dance important when food, shelter, and clothing aren’t evenly distributed in the world?

Dance and art… … transcend languages, race, religion, cultures, and customs, enabling us as human

beings to connect on the most essential level …promote creativity, confidence, and individuality

…integrate body, mind, and spirit …offer a means of self expression

…allow for both interdependence and collaboration

… educate, liberate, and build community

mission

JUNTOS, a community-based organization, seeks to educate, heal, liberate, and build community through dance. We offer students opportunities through their creative discipline to bridge insights from the classroom and dance studio to become artists educating and serving others. As dancers, our art form enables us to identify, transform and celebrate the range of human experience. We expose all participants - collective and partner organization members - to new cultures and languages, using dance to create a neutral space for the expression of diversity, and as a reminder of equality. This neutral space in turn, allows us to create a community that transcends borders. We strive to build lasting relationships with local and global partners, communities often unrecognized and seldom exposed to the professional world of modern dance. Through dance, JUNTOS hopes to identify a shared human experience found in all cultures and ways of life.

history

JUNTOS was founded in 2008 by Ailey/Fordham student Joanna Poz-Molesky (FCLC ’10). Originally intended for a one-time international trip to Mexico in 2009, JUNTOS quickly expanded to an organization bridging performance, community outreach, and intercultural exposure. JUNTOS established their New York community outreach program in January 2009, teaching and performing in Manhattan elementary schools and retirement homes. In August 2009, twelve dancers from The Ailey School/Fordham University, The Juilliard School, and SUNY Purchase engaged in a successful tour to central Mexico for two weeks of performance and intercultural exchange. Shortly following this event in March 2010, JUNTOS traveled to the Guatemalan highlands for nine days to teach, perform, and share dance in schools, orphanages, retirement homes, and other communities that seldom encounter modern dance. Also in 2010, JUNTOS expanded its work to California, working with the LINES/Dominican BFA dance students in local and international projects.

JUNTOS continues doing New York and San Francisco community outreach as well as numerous annual international trips, constantly expanding its program to other communities lacking performing arts. JUNTOS continues growing each year: outreach trips, artists involved, staff, and workshops among many more aspects.

Integrating dance with outreach to

create community

projects and opportunities New York JUNTOS: New York is comprised of professional student performing artists who wish to integrate performing art and community outreach. The collective teaches and performs in various locations, focusing on communities that are not granted much art exposure. Artists engage and dialogue with new audiences while sharing their gifts with others.

Mexico This project offers a select group of dancers the opportunity to travel and tour for two weeks to central Mexico for an international and intercultural exchange through dance. Artists perform in cities and present their choreography beyond New York’s boundaries. Members explore both traditional and contemporary dance cultures: they train and learn repertoire with groups and choreographers like Jaime Camarena’s company Apoc Apoc, a professional modern dance company in Mexico City. Participants engage in exchanges with ballet folklorico groups (Monserrat Guitierrez’s Mexican youth baile folklorico company Ollin Yoliztlin) as well as perform at international dance festivals. JUNTOS dancers are encouraged to initiate leadership particularly while teaching movement in orphanages and to the local community. Through JUNTOS: Mexico, artists combine their professional dance world outreach in local communities, orphanages, and retirement homes.

Guatemala JUNTOS: Guatemala focuses on what art can offer in a third-world country. Dancers travel for nine days through the Guatemalan highlands, engaging in community outreach in Mayan villages and urban centers. JUNTOS participants teach dance workshops in public and private elementary schools and perform for communities unfamiliar with contemporary performing arts. In addition, dancers exchange with other artists in Quetzaltenango, exploring various traditional and contemporary expressions. JUNTOS: Guatemala offers dancers venues to perform for large public audiences.

Costa Rica/Nicaragua Coming August 2012, twelve JUNTOS members travel to both Costa Rica and Nicaragua, spending a week in each country. Members sponsor movement opportunities in both countries for various communities, focusing on dance centers that desire more training. JUNTOS performs for communities that seldom experience modern dance as well as for the general public in Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

dancing together to identify a shared human experience

JUNTOS visionaries

Joanna Poz-Molesky, Founder/Director Joanna, born in Berkeley, California, began dancing at Berkeley Ballet Theater in 1991. She co-founded En Pointe Youth Dance Company in 1999, initiated and organized its Mexico summer immersion trip in 2005, and directed the company through 2006. In 2008, she founded JUNTOS, and in 2009, directed and organized JUNTOS: Mexico, collaborating with New York and Mexican artists for performance and intercultural exchange. She continues to organize and direct outreach projects internationally. Joanna graduated from The Ailey School/Fordham University’s BFA dance program in 2010, minoring in both Latin American/Latino Studies and Theology. Joanna has been awarded with several special recognitions for her community outreach and leadership (Hitachi National Award, 2006-07; Guardian Girl’s Going Places Award, 2006; Berkeley Community Fund for Leadership and Community Service, 2006; City of Berkeley Mayor’s Award, 2006).

David Claps, Financial Manager David, a New Jersey native, is an NYC-based dancer, choreographer and arts administrator. David is a 2010 cum laude graduate of The Ailey School/Fordham University BFA in Dance Program along with a minor in Business Administration where he had the privilege to perform repertory by Lar Lubovitch, Paul Taylor and Bill T. Jones, among others. David has been a member of Kazuko Hirabayahi Dance Theater, ZviDance apprentice and performed with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in “Memoria” during their 2009 New York City Center Season. Additionally, David has worked with many arts organizations such as Mark Morris Dance Group before assuming his current role as Director of Fiscal Services at Pentacle/DanceWorks, Inc. where he services notable organizations such as Buglisi Dance Theatre and Shen Wei Dance Arts. David joined the JUNTOS staff in 2010 as Financial Manager.

Adrienne Cousineau, Business Initiative Coordinator Adrienne graduated summa cum laude from Fordham University with a BA in French Studies and Philosophy and a minor in Spanish. After studying abroad in France and Chile, Adrienne joined JUNTOS on its first trip to Guatemala, allowing her to combine her love of languages, intercultural exchange, dance, and outreach. Since graduating, Adrienne has worked administratively in multiple capacities for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Foundation. She tutors in French and Spanish, freelance translates, and is a member of Exit 12 Dance Company. Most recently, she organized and coordinated Kazuko Hirabayashi’s 2011 Dance New York International Summer Intensives in Paris, Madrid, and New York. Adrienne joined the JUNTOS staff in 2010 as Business Initiative Coordinator.

Marisa Martin, Student Affairs; Assistant to the Director Marisa is a recent cum laude graduate of the Ailey/ Fordham BFA dance program where she also minored in English. While in school, she appeared in Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s “Memoria” for two consecutive years during their New York City Center season. A native of the Philadelphia area, developed a passion for community service early in life. In high school, she was selected to participate in People to People’s student ambassador program, granting her an opportunity to tour Japan for two weeks of cultural immersion. Once arriving at Fordham University, Marisa participated in the first four JUNTOS trips, traveling twice to both Mexico and Guatemala, and eventually became one of JUNTOS’ student leaders. This year, she will be heading student affairs and outreach events in New York for JUNTOS. Marisa currently lives in New York City, where she is pursuing her professional dance career.

Kelli Youngman, Marketing Director Kelli Youngman, born in Seoul, Korea, grew up in North Brunswick, New Jersey. She began her training at Center Stage Dance and Theater School and earned her BFA in Dance from The Ailey School/Fordham University. Kelli has had the privilege of performing internationally throughout Guatemala and Mexico on three separate trips as a member of JUNTOS Collective, beginning with her first trip to Guatemala in March 2010. She has worked with choreographers Robert Battle, Elisa Monte, George Faison, Samar Haddad King, Jacqulyn Buglisi, Lara Wilson, and Abdur Rahim-Jackson. She has also performed works by Alvin Ailey and Paul Taylor. Along with performing and teaching workshops, Kelli is excited to take on more executive responsibilities within JUNTOS as the Marketing Director.

Student Leaders

Select students are encouraged to take on leadership positions and assist in company management. These students are chosen after demonstrating passion and commitment to the company and its vision. They must first perform well in academic and dance classes then accomplish their assignments for JUNTOS.

artist statement: the artist’s calling

A note from the Director and Founder of JUNTOS

My aunt always told me we are what we do in our childhood. One of my cousins used to construct buildings with blocks in his early years and is now an engineer; another one of my cousins used to investigate every plant and animal – he’s now a biology researcher. I, on the other hand, took yarn and wrapped it around everything I could reach: doorknobs, chair legs, the sofa, my bed. I created large nets throughout the house. I loved weaving.

I’ve graduated from weaving household objects together to bridging communities. I love people and diverse cultures. Yet if I’m so passionate about different people and cultures, why pursue art? As a young woman and artist interested in social justice, I’ve questioned the importance of dance multiple times. I must ask myself what purpose art has in the global context? Why should dance be important when food, shelter, and clothing aren’t evenly distributed in the world?

In my years before college at the Ailey School/Fordham University, my years before JUNTOS, I founded a youth dance company. During my six years as director, En Pointe Youth Dance Company developed into a solely youth-coordinated pre-professional dance company where youth explored effective leadership styles. All aspects of the diverse company, from choreography to the design and production of costumes, from lighting and sound to set design, from fundraising (at least $8,000 per year) and publicity to dancing, were organized by youth. I slowly began to experience art as bridging differences and creating community. The company has been distinguished for its originality, technical excellence, aesthetic success, and youth leadership in the San Francisco Bay Area and was featured in U.S. magazines, newspapers, and television stations.

Two years after graduating from Berkeley High, I founded my second dance group. Inspired by a theology course at Fordham University in 2008, I founded JUNTOS. It emerged from a child that constantly traveled back and forth from Guatemala to visit family, a girl with a voice in art, a teen placing her bi-cultural heritage into her place in segregated communities, a young woman weighing the importance of art versus social justice on a global level. At its core, JUNTOS works to build community and share everything art can offer: expression, inspiration, healing, and unify among many other qualities. Utilizing my acquired skills from my past and a new, clear articulation of dance as sharing truth, I began to build a base for artists to learn, teach, and share their art in various communities. A year later, this collective (dancers from the Ailey School, The Juilliard School, and SUNY Purchase College) was traveling to Mexico for two weeks of performance and intercultural exchange.

I understand that being an artist is not a career; it is a calling. Using art as my expression, I have developed my own voice as one screaming for justice, community, and unveiling truth. As an artist, I strive to bridge communities and cultures so we can share and learn from each other as oppose to combining them. Using social justice and community outreach in art, I hope to offer expression, inspiration, healing, sharing, and most importantly, love.

Sharing Love: Our Responsibility as Artists

Spring semester sophomore year of college, I took a class titled, “Mysticism and Social Justice.” In spiritual beliefs, mysticism is an experience of God. From this, a deep yearning emerges, then prayer, and an interdependence developing in God and the universe. This leads to a mystical consciousness in which the individual, now mystic, embraces action and justice. In my class, however, I recognized that it was not only people of religious backgrounds who were granted this gift of divine love. In The Silent Cry Dorothee Soelle writes, “Whether someone believes in God or assumes the existence of a higher being seems irrelevant in the face of a real experience of “swimming” in God” (28).

Dancing, I realized that we experience moments of God every day. How often do we recognize this gift? Inquiring into this new understanding of mysticism helped me illuminate dance as liberating for all participants, whether dancers or audience – we are sharing our true selves with one another, a form of God, or divine Love.

Love. Being in love does not consist of loving everything; being in love with life and with what you do exerts kindness, imagination, drive, and how you live your life. Being in love can lead to a compassionate and honest world. I propose to offer a piece of this love with JUNTOS. I hope to inspire others to share love, weaving communities, people, and differences together to create a more peaceful world.

“I have developed my own voice as one

screaming for justice, community, and unveiling truth.”

the power of dance: what participants say about JUNTOS…

“Guatemala has entered my gut, the very depths of my being, and I intend to let it grow inside of me. I’ve learned that the best experiences do not satisfy you; they leave you hungry for more. These experiences enlighten you to new truths and possibilities and drive you to carry them out and share them with others.

-Marisa Martin, Excerpt from “Thoughts on Guatemala, Part II.” June 10, 2011

“I feel like I have reached a level where it’s not just me out there. No more me against the world. Instead it is me dancing WITH the world, FOR the world and everything in between.“

-Alicia Delgadillo, Excerpt from “Reflections.” March 23, 2011

“Art is the fabric of culture. It gives texture, color, richness, and meaning to our lives: it describes and defines our human experience. When we share our art we share ourselves, and as artists, sharing our art is sharing the very best part of ourselves. Communicating through art allows us to open our hearts and our minds to each other. We learn about ourselves and those around us, no matter how different or inaccessible they may seem- art allows us to connect on a basic human level. At the risk of sounding naïve, I really believe that in doing so we can create a human community that transcends borders. And how else can we gain enough understanding of each other to achieve compassion and peace? Of course, art is not going to solve all of the world’s problems- so much other work needs to be done, and that work is just as valuable. But my experiences in Guatemala taught me that for me, as a dancer, sharing my art is the most important way that I can try to bring any light into the world. I am so grateful and indebted to all the people I met in Guatemala, for dancing, sharing, smiling, and learning with us- they taught me infinitely more than I taught them.”

- Maia Dunlap, Excerpt from “Reflections on Guatemala.” August 2, 2010

“Dance has the ability to transcend race, religion, ethnicity, and gender and enables us not as Guatemalans or Americans but as human beings to connect on the most essential level. Despite the language barrier, I saw the power of dance and its ability to promote creativity, confidence, and individuality. This is something that I would never have learned sitting in a classroom at Fordham, listening to a professor lecture. These revelations only come from face to face cross-cultural encounters. This trip has been one of the most valuable and influential experiences of my life. I was able to see how much I have to give and share with the world to create a powerful, positive impact. Although we leave tomorrow, I am bringing back with me new memories, friends, and a profound appreciation for the power of dance, as well as the power of our dreams!”

- Katie Berry, Excerpt of letter written to the director after Guatemala 2010

“The great thing about JUNTOS is that it takes this idea that the understanding of different cultures is what will bring peace to the world and connects it to concrete actions. Something inside me has really changed. I feel so inspired to do more because there is so much to be done.”

- Marisa Martin, Excerpt of letter written to the director after Guatemala 2010

“Before this trip I wanted to think dance was important, because it’s so important to me, but deep down I didn’t believe that it was. This trip completely changed all that. Through teaching the workshops and performing at the places we did, I realize that dance and art hold a place in the world that cannot be underestimated. I saw that the power of communicating through movement, of having dance as a tool to express yourself and share, is extraordinary. Dance and art bring a light into the world that is essential. Even, maybe even especially, in places of tremendous poverty and hardship, where so much other work needs to be done, dance cannot be taken out of the equation.“

- Maia Dunlap, Excerpt of letter written to the director after Guatemala 2010

“I think I finally saw the power of dance. I’ve slowly been learning that I love dance because it humanizes whoever performs it. Yet, I finally saw here how much I can give of myself through dance. I also saw how much each member of our group was able to give through dance as well. Finally, it wasn’t about anyone’s technique and ability to execute steps, but it was about each person’s personality and humanity. I finally stopped judging and was able to appreciate and receive what everyone had to offer. I let go of judging myself as well, and for the first time in my life, I performed without being nervous and most importantly without any filter… I finally found out how to perform.”

- Adrienne Cousineau, Excerpt of letter written to the director after Guatemala 2010

outreach partners Guatemala Asilo de Ancianas Santa Luisa de Marilac Atrezzo Marketing Barrios La Transfiguracion Centro Cultural Los Chocoyos Centro Cultural Casa No’j Escuela de Dr. Rodolfo Robles Escuela Fray Bartolomé de las Casas Hogar de Protección y Abrigo Teatro Municipal de Quetzaltenango

Mexico Apoc Apoc (Mexico City) La Casa de Ancianas (Guanajuato) La Fábrica (Quéretaro) Ollin Yolitzli (San Miguel) Hogar Santa Julia (San Miguel) Hogar El Mexiquito (San Miguel) Hogar Don Bosco (San Miguel) El Sindicato (San Miguel)

New York Church of St. Paul the Apostle The Esplanade Retirement Home FaceAids at Fordham Lincoln Center Hearthstone Alzheimer’s Care Momentum Project PS 191 West 74th St. Home

San Francisco Bay Area St. Mary’s Center

“I f e e l l ike I hav e r ea ch ed a l ev el where i t ’s not just me out th er e . No more me against th e

world. Ins tead it i s me dancing WITH th e world, FOR th e world and ev erything in betw een.“

-Alicia Delgadillo, Excerpt from “Reflections.” March 23, 2011

current upcoming events

November 5: Berkeley, CA Berkeley City Club, Performance fundraiser

past public events

May 29-June 12: JUNTOS Mexico Dancers perform in Mexico

May 6, 2011: San Francisco, CA

JUNTOS performs repertoire at Dominican University

March 12-20, 2011: JUNTOS Guatemala March 17: Teatro Municipal, Totonicopan. Daytime performace

March 18: Teatro Municipal, Xela. Daytime performance March 18: Centro Cultural Casa No’J, Xela. Evening performance

February 12, 2011: New Jersey

Church of the Sacred Heart: Performance

October 24, 2010: New York City St. Paul the Apostle, Performance and Teach-in

May 31-June 15, 2010: JUNTOS Mexico

June 12: Teatro Principal, Guanajuato. Full Performance

June 10: Radio UNAM, Mexico City. Full Performance

June 5: La Fábrica, BILATERAL, Querétaro. International dance festival June 4: El Sindicato, San Miguel de Allende. Performance

June 2: El Jardín, San Miguel de Allende. Evening Performance with Ollin Yolizlin

May 7, 2010: New York City

Fordham University, JUNTOS Performance: Performance and Presentation of Mexico Project

April 18, 2010: New Jersey

Church of the Sacred Heart: Performance

March 13-22, 2010: JUNTOS Guatemala March 17: Teatro Municipal, Quetzaltenango. JUNTOS full performance

November 21, 2009: New York City Fordham University, Fundraiser: Performance, slideshow, and discussion of

JUNTOS: Mexico 2009

August 3-17, 2009: JUNTOS Mexico August 15: Teatro Principal, Guanajuato. Full performance with baile

folklorico company Ollin Yolizlin

August 10: Plaza Civica, San Miguel de Allende. Performance with baile folklorico company Ollin Yolizlin

August 9: Cineteatro Rosario Solano, Querétaro. International dance festival August 8: La Fábrica, BILATERAL: Querétaro. International dance festival

May 10, 2009: New York City Pope Auditorium, Full performance

February 27, 2009: New York City

Fordham University, Evening of Inquiry: Dedicated to presenting the project

current press

“Danza por amor: ‘Juntos Collective’ de Nueva York, llega a Quetzaltenango” El Quetzalteco, March 13, 2010 http://www.elquetzalteco.com.gt/13.03.2010/?q=sociales/danzan_por_amor

Across the Floor: “Bridging Cultures & Campuses” Dance Magazine, January 2010 http://www.dancemagazine.com/issues/January-2010/TeachLearn-Connection

“Fordham Conversations” (last three minutes) WFUV: December 12, 2009 http://wfuv.streamguys.us/archive/9651.asx

“Art as Exchange: Director of JUNTOS Reflects After Mexico Trip” Fordham University Observer: September 23, 2009 http://media.www.fordhamobserver.com/art-as-exchange-director-of-juntos-reflects-after-mexico-trip-1.1910203

“Ailey/Fordham Dancers Explore Modern and Traditional Culture in Mexico” Fordham eNEWSROOM: August 2009 http://www.fordham.edu/campus_resources/enewsroom/archives/archive_1631.asp

“JUNTOS: From NYC to Mexico City” Fordham University Observer: April 29, 2009 http://www.fordhamobserver.com/juntos-from-nyc-to-mexico-city-1.1738820

“Trabajan JUNTOS por la comunidad” El Diario: April 7, 2009 http://www.impre.com/eldiariony/noticias/2009/4/7/trabajan-juntos-por-la-comunid-118146-1.html

“A New Dance Program Comes to Fordham” Fordham University Observer: February 25, 2009 http://www.fordhamobserver.com/a-new-dance-program-comes-to-fordham-1.1573259

Dance Magazine, January 2010

Across The Floor: Bridging Cultures & Campuses By Siobhan Burke

“Maybe you guys should take your socks off, if you’re going to do this full-out. I just don’t want you to slip and

fall.” It’s a Thursday night at the Ailey studios in midtown Manhattan, and Joanna Poz-Molesky, a senior in the

Ailey/Fordham BFA program, is overseeing a rehearsal for Juntos (meaning “together” in Spanish), the community

outreach group she founded in 2008. Her tone couldn’t be more easygoing, but beneath her low-key demeanor is the

drive it has taken to rally a group of college students, raise thousands of dollars, and make Juntos a reality.

“Joanna is a sweet, quiet, polite young woman who you don’t realize has this steel inside of her,” says Ana Marie

Forsythe, Poz-Molesky’s advisor in the dance program (and this month’s “Teacher’s Wisdom”; see p. 182). “When

she first approached me about this project, full of ambition, it seemed like something she might be able to do 5 or 10

years from now. But she really pulled it off.”

In March, Poz-Molesky will lead eight dancers from three New York conservatories—Ailey/Fordham, Juilliard, and

SUNY Purchase—on Juntos’ second international excursion: a weeklong trip to Guatemala, where they plan to teach

at a school in the city of Quetzaltenango and perform in several nearby towns. During their first trip—a two-week

tour of central Mexico last August—a group of 14 led workshops at two orphanages and a folkloric dance camp;

performed their student-directed, student-choreographed show in all kinds of venues, from a retirement home to a

public plaza to more conventional theaters; and studied with the contemporary company A Poc A Poc in Mexico

City. This was only after raising $20,000, a grassroots effort involving garage sales, car washes, and benefit

concerts.

Poz-Molesky has a track-record for spearheading large-scale projects with a resourcefulness beyond her years. At 12,

the Berkeley, CA, native co-founded her own youth-run dance company, En Pointe (see “Teenage Impresarios,”

Aug. 2002), which she directed throughout high school. Her commitment to cultural exchange stems from a

childhood spent traveling between Berkeley and the Guatemalan village of Zunil, where her father was born. “I was

part of two clashing worlds from a young age,” the 22-year-old says. “My mother is from a white European middle-

class family, my father from a poor Mayan community. The people in my dad’s town live very, very differently.

Many have almost nothing materially, but they give you everything they have to offer.”

Out of these experiences, Poz-Molesky became interested in “bridging different communities,” using dance as her

tool. She stresses that Juntos, which also does outreach in NYC public schools, fosters two-way exchanges. “I think

that dance has such a power to bring people together, to help people understand each other,” she says. “With Juntos,

the idea is to share our gifts, to leave people with a little bit of what we know, while learning what they can teach

us.”

Many students came away from their Mexican travels with a renewed sense of purpose. “At school, going to class

every day, it’s easy to lose sight of your reason for dancing,” says Ailey/Fordham senior Kile Hotchkiss. Through

seeing “the appreciation, the exuberance” of the children he taught, “I was reminded of why I enjoy doing what I do.

It reinvigorated my need to pass on the information I’ve been privileged to receive.”

By joining forces with Juilliard and SUNY Purchase, Poz-Molesky has bridged not only cultures but campuses. “It’s

rare to get each school to break out of its individual shell,” says Forsythe, “but Joanna has managed to do it.” See

juntoscollective.org.