Since becoming Education Director for Malashock Dance , I have been compelled daily by the concept of creating access to dance.  Dance has been such an important part of my development, recreation, education, and career, that I feel inseparable from my identity as a dancer.  It is as much who I am, as it is what I do.  The most exciting part of sharing this art form is the opportunity to provide dance classes to children and adults who are not typically engaged in the dance community, and perhaps change people’s perception of what dance can offer people with varying levels of ability.

This year, The Malashock Dance School launched a new program called Dance with disABILITY! This program reaches teens and young adults with varying mental and physical disabilities.  The class provides a safe haven for students to explore the many different ways we approach dance; through rhythm, mechanics, levels in space, personal expression, or social bonding.  Malashock Dance Instructor, Kruciaal Element co-director, and experienced social worker Angel Waali-Villalobos brings the dynamics of Hip Hop, the excitement of improvisation, and clarity of basic technique to this unique group of dancers.

Each week, The Malashock Dance School holds a class for students from St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center , our newest partner in education.  They provide transportation for their clients from their stunningly beautiful facility in El Cajon to The Malashock Dance School.  We provide the weekly class free of charge to these participants!  We also offer a Dance with disABILITY! class that is open to the public, and follows the regular Malashock Dance School tuition rates.  During Spring Semester 2010, Dance with disABILITY! is offered every Friday, 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Dance Place San Diego. Dance with disABILITY! emphasizes the abilities of all individuals and provides an integrated, compassionate, and inspiring environment for personal expression through the medium of dance!

Molly Puryear
Education Director, Malashock Dance