Veterans
In the VA Hospital, we see that the transformative power of dance is about the simplicity of moving and not about how much you can move or what steps you do. We dance with proud men who have served our country in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Some of these men are recovering from substance abuse. Some are in wheelchairs and can only move parts of their upper torso or one side of their body. Some are bed-bound. We also dance with female veterans who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). For many of these men and women, the idea of moving their bodies can be embarrassing, scary, and/or physically challenging. But most of them end up dancing with us in their own way whether it’s taking our hands and lightly swinging our arms together, tapping a little toe, smiling, or standing on the side shaking a rattle. Some offer us cool staccato moves and lively chaos dances. At the end of the class, we create a live sculpture that connects us into a powerful moment of stillness and celebrates each of our unique ways of moving.
Current sites: VA Palo Alto Healthcare System
Watch a dance inspired by the movements from the veterans in our weekly class and choreographed by Sylvie Minot.
Current sites: VA Palo Alto Healthcare System
Watch a dance inspired by the movements from the veterans in our weekly class and choreographed by Sylvie Minot.
Give Dance to Veterans
In May 2017, we invited our public dance community to join us in dancing with the veterans in our program at the VA in Menlo Park. It was a huge success and a sight to see - the seamless bridging of two diverse communities. This is what it's all about!
“These folks have impacted the veterans so much. The groups are so popular. I work with vets coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan, and these guys have a lot of PTSD. When the vets come back the first thing they say is, ‘We really appreciate the 5Rhythms group.’ The vets come with a lot of anger, frustration, and depression and they just get out there and move.” - Darrell Green, Counselor, VA “It helped me release my anger.” |
“I feel so much gratitude. I just returned from Afghanistan two months ago and did not know if I could ever feel joy again. Now, I know that I can. Thank you so much.” Joyful clip from Veterans Dance |