Fall 2020 Newsletter
Happy Thanksgiving!
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The Boston Children’s Foundation (BCF), founded by Robert Macy and Dicki Johnson Macy, is committed to ending the trauma that perpetuates a culture of fear, maladaptation and violence by turning youth’s natural energy towards healing activities, social empathy and positive relationships.
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Looking Back with Gratitude |
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In the midst of all the challenges that have come with 2020, we at BCF have been grateful to experience connection, empathy, love, and community. We hope you have also been able to relish moments of joy, and we welcome you to share with us your celebrations and challenges. As a new year approaches, we thank you for your commitment, for sharing your time and talents, and for being a part of our community.
In this gratitude newsletter edition, we highlight moments of joy and togetherness, and wish you all a peaceful and comforting holiday season.
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Night of Philosophy at Harvard Univeristy
In January, Boston’s first Night of Philosophy & Ideas at Harvard University presented by the Consulate General of France brought together academics from various disciplines, as well as artists, activists, and public intellectuals to address a variety of timely questions around this year’s central theme:
Being Alive.
The Guardians of Isadora dance troupe was invited to perform at this exciting event. We provided two performances showcasing dances which embodied the ideals of beauty, strength, and freedom.
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Thank you 2019-2020 Interns!
Last year was such a pleasure to work with our interns, Violet and Bella! Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and joy energized the office, and their dedication to supporting early childhood development is inspiring. They created magical experiences for many children throughout the Boston area, and were an invaluable part of our team. We are especially proud of their adaptability in transitioning to virtual movement sessions this spring. All the best in your future endeavors, Violet and Bella!
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Our First Virtual Training
In August, BCF hosted its first online training! The two-day Basic Rainbowdance Training included our 2020-2021 interns, along with clinicians and parents from across the country. Congrats to our newest Rainbowdance trainees!
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Dancing at Singing Beach
After so many months apart, the Guardians of Isadora joyfully met to dance together on Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea. We maintained physical distancing and wore masks. The sun shone brightly on our faces, the waves provided our soundtrack, and the sand really did sing beneath our feet. The day was energizing and inspiring, and a beautiful reminder of the power of dancing in community.
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Dancing at Home:
Voices from Our Community
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We are delighted to hear from members of our community during this time of social distancing. From our young Rainbowdance students to our adult Duncan dancers, we are inspired by your creativity, art, and joyous movement.
Thank you for sharing your stories!
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After her first virtual class, a dancer in our Duncan 5-7 year program created a beautiful visual to represent the "Over the Rainbow" theme for the day |
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Duncan dancer and longtime friend of BCF, Kristen Kissik gracefully waltzes at home during Dicki's online adult classes |
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With the promise of Spring in the air, Duncan dancers skip and leap together through online gatherings |
The effervescent Zoe Ulrich enjoys bringing the Duncan dance back to Nature |
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Drawing inspired by dancing the myth of Pandora's Box, by 11-year-old dancer Shayne |
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Doré's depiction of the Furies myth
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Hello from our 3 Graduate Interns, Ashlyn, Goni, & Edward:
"All of us coming from Lesley University’s Expressive Arts Therapy program, the first and only time we’ve ever met in person was in early March when the three of us met at Boston Children’s Foundation for our final interview. Since the gravity of the pandemic, we all have felt grateful to be supported by Dicki, Rachel, Erin, and Robert who have made us feel like part of the family despite being across screens. We got to connect with each other virtually and have grown closer as the year has progressed. Over the summer we trained together online and went through orientation, working collaboratively to translate Rainbowdance to the virtual setting. We have learned from each other through not only our different modalities and skills, but our different backgrounds and experiences as well. Goni is a mother of two children from Israel studying dance/movement therapy. Edward is an actor, originally from North Carolina, a former acting teacher, and is training in drama therapy. Ashlyn is a dancer from the greater Boston area, a former choreographer, and studying dance/movement therapy. It has been so wonderful to connect everyday with the children online through movement and play. Each day we look forward to watching the kids open up from week to week, seeing them laugh and sing with their families, and how the efficacy of movement-based therapy and creativity remain impactful, even in a virtual space. We feel like we are the dream team, and we are so grateful to be part of this experience with you all. We are sending warm wishes and hope you all have a lovely fall season!"
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Ashlyn's artistic portrayal of the children dancing together in class |
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Goni's "heart of the room" that inspires creativity and imagination |
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Edward's illustration of the dance of "Pandora's Box" |
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Virtual Classes
Rainbowdance &
The Art & Technique of Isadora Duncan
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While we are practicing safe social distancing, we remain connected with our current Dance Complex community through virtual class offerings. Thank you to everyone for your flexibility and your continued dedication to our art of dancing. We will continue dancing virtually through winter - stay tuned for potential outside classes in warmer weather!
Pro-rated tuition and free trial classes offered throughout the semester!
Individual Therapeutic Sessions are also available upon request, and are available virtually while families remain safely at home. Please contact Dicki or Rachel to learn more.
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Upcoming Trainings & Workshops |
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Basic Rainbowdance Credentialing Training:
Wonderful Virtual Training for Teachers, Clinicians, Social Workers, Childhood Educators & Caretakers
January 15 & 16, 2021
Student Discounts available!
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Endorsed Practitioner
Group Forum
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We'd love to keep in touch with you, and hear about your Rainbowdance adventures through the Rainbowdance Endorsed Practitioner Group Forum. This forum will be a wonderful way to stay connected, ask questions, and share news whether you are local or outside of the Boston area.
If you are an Endorsed Practitioner and would like access to the Forum please contact Rachel.
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Ways to Support our Mission |
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Make a Difference While You Shop |
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The Amazon Smile link will take you to smile.amazon.com, and Amazon will donate 0.5% of the item's price to BCF, at no cost to you!
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Giving assistant has partnered with BCF to save you money while you shop! You will receive cash back for purchased items; you can choose to keep the money or donate it. Follow the link to learn more and start saving!
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Thank you for supporting our mission of protecting children, women and families as we work to create and sustain violence-free communities. We live in a time when now, more than ever, at-risk populations are in vital need of preventative and compassionate care. Every life-changing dollar you donate helps us keep children and their caretakers safe and thriving, even in the face of trauma and violence.
Make a secure donation through PayPal Giving Fund or by sending a check payable to Boston Children’s Foundation and mail to:
Boston Children’s Foundation
850 Summer Street, Suite 206
South Boston, MA 02127
Boston Children’s Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization. Gifts are tax deductible to the full extent allowable under IRS regulations.
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Dr. Robert Macy, Executive Director
Dicki Johnson Macy, Director
Rachel Assaf, Assistant Director
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Boston Children's Foundation
850 Summer St, #206
South Boston, MA 02127
Phone 617-453-8984
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