Autism Awareness: 2006-2014
Witnessing autism first-hand through a family member severely afflicted with the condition, and finding no answer from conventional means of treatment, we set out to raise autism awareness through the language of the performing arts, where universal archetypes and themes that connect all of us, are converted into creative energies expressed through music and dance.
In line with our goal, between 2006 and 2014 we engaged Los Angeles audiences through dance productions in theatres of LA and created workshops which utilized Argentine tango and ballet as a means of connection at a place of extreme disconnection, with great success.
In 2014 our family member afflicted with autism passed at the age of 19 and we spent several years trying to find new meaning and purpose. We are now dedicated to a most important aspect of the human journey: discovering our Identity, and towards this end working on an innovative educational project called Ballet & Identity.
Show “El Corazon del Tango” at LA’s Wilshire Ebell Theatre in collaborarion with Broadway cast of “Forever Tango”
in November 2006 we hosted our first Autism Awareness event with the dance production “El Corazon del Tango” (aka, “Through the Heart of Tango”) starring Broadway icon Miriam Larici together with a celebrated Broadway cast.
The live two-night event took place November 18th and 19th attracting over 2,000 people. The event also introduced the vision of “Adam’s Ranch” which was later portrayed in the video “Imagine the World” narrated by actor /producer Craig Shaffer.
Show “Tango Adamor” at Saban Theatre & Alex Theatre directed by Broadway Tango Icon, Miriam Larici
In November 2008 Dance Into Unity hosted its next visible Autism Awareness charity event Tango Adamor with a celebrated Broadway cast on November 21st & 22nd at the majestic Saban Theatre (aka Wilshire Theatre of Beverly Hills), and Glendale’s landmark Alex Theater, attracting an audience of over 4,000.
Miriam Larici, choreographer and and the iconic image of Broadway hit “Forever Tango” was a collaborator and artistic director of our autism awareness dance productions, “El Corazon del Tango” (2006), “Tango Adamor” (2008), and “Through the Heart of Tango” (2012)
Show “Through The Heart Of Tango” at Beyond the Stars Palace in collaboration with Joey Travolta’s Inclusion Film
During 2010-2012 we developed a series of workshops called “Through the Heart of Tango” to teach young adults the ‘Art of Connection’ through dance. These workshops culminated in a two-day autism awareness event and show by the same name directed by the Broadway’s “Forever Tango” icon, Miriam Larici where the participants teamed up with professional dancers on stage. The workshops and event were filmed by Joey Travolta’s company, Inclusion Films into the documentary “Through the Heart of Tango
“Through the Heart of Tango” was accepted into a number of national and international film festivals and featured a number of times on television..
Event “Beautiful” at Santa Monica’s Miles Memorial Playhouse in collaboration with Westside School of Ballet
During 2012-2014 our organization in collaboration with the founder of Empower Autism Now, Arman Kody produced a series of workshops called “Beautiful” in Claremont, CA. The aim of these workshops was to develop confidence and unlock creativity in young adults through the art and science of classical ballet.
Three final workshops took place in April 2013 at the studio of the Westside School of Ballet. The studio was graciously donated by the school and they provided volunteers who supported our team during the workshops.
The participants of these workshops took part at the celebratory event held at the Santa Monica’s “Miles Memorial Playhouse ” where Westside School of Ballet presented an autism-dedicated ballet performance.
Fundraiser to benefit Autism Unites programs in collaboration with Robby Krieger of “THE DOORS”
On February 27, 2014, Autism Unites hosted a fundraiser featuring Robby Krieger of the legendary rock group “THE DOORS“.
The success of BEAUTIFUL is a testament to the power of ballet when used as an instrument for opening and consciously developing our creativity and connection with self and others.
Participants of the workshops, Arman Kody and Valeria Velyka, shared a touching speech about their Match-A-Friend experience at the workshops “Beautiful”.
Event “BE SAFE” in collaboration with Culver City Police Department
On August 20, 2014 Autism Unites together with the creator of “BE SAFE The Movie” and Culver City Police hosted an event featuring the unique video modeling tool that teaches individuals with autism to interact safely with the police. The event had an unexpectedly large turnout of individuals and families affected by autism, all eager to connect and experience the tool firsthand.
In his letter to Autism Unites (embedded below), the chief of Culver City Police Department wrote following: On behalf of myself and the Culver City Police Department, I would like to express our sincerest appreciation and admiration for the work being done by Autism Unites. Their commitment to improving the lives of people with autism is unmatched. The Culver City Police Department has forged a valued partnership with Autism Unites. I give the organization my highest recommendation and I would be honored to work with them on future projects.
