Why?
"From time to time, I ask myself - do I matter? As a child, I was loved and supported by my family, but as I grew into adulthood, everything changed - I became the black sheep of the family, estranged for years, & ignored; my voice became unheard.
When I found my love for dance and joy in teaching - I felt a sense of family through community and felt loved for my talent. BUT! once I spoke up about the discrimination I faced in dance - I became the problem; my voice became unheard - yet again! This has had a tremendous effect on my mental health, so I decided to begin my advocacy for mental health and the Arts. Yet I still often ask: Did I matter, do I matter? Why am I here?
Throughout my life/career, I've slept outside, been homeless more than once, still taught classes, lived that "starving artist" life(economic), I've been ostracized and demonized by community and family (social) and I've been in a manic depressive state, while newly understanding my Multiple Sclerosis (health) . . . All these experiences have contributed to my vision for The DIPR Foundation. What's keeping me alive is my continued desire to make a difference!
~ dionna
"From time to time, I ask myself - do I matter? As a child, I was loved and supported by my family, but as I grew into adulthood, everything changed - I became the black sheep of the family, estranged for years, & ignored; my voice became unheard.
When I found my love for dance and joy in teaching - I felt a sense of family through community and felt loved for my talent. BUT! once I spoke up about the discrimination I faced in dance - I became the problem; my voice became unheard - yet again! This has had a tremendous effect on my mental health, so I decided to begin my advocacy for mental health and the Arts. Yet I still often ask: Did I matter, do I matter? Why am I here?
Throughout my life/career, I've slept outside, been homeless more than once, still taught classes, lived that "starving artist" life(economic), I've been ostracized and demonized by community and family (social) and I've been in a manic depressive state, while newly understanding my Multiple Sclerosis (health) . . . All these experiences have contributed to my vision for The DIPR Foundation. What's keeping me alive is my continued desire to make a difference!
~ dionna
MISSION STATEMENT
the DIPR foundation aspires to give more access to BIPOC artists who are challenged by economic, social, & health disparities. We aim to encourage and uplift by providing informative services + specialized dance programming, along with outlets to showcase personal works; Our plan is to provide services for ages 18-29, as well as teens 12-17 (on a project basis).
VALUES
- Transparent & honest communication
- Providing supportive, safe and welcoming environments
- To listen with empathy
MANTRA
You matter
DELIVERABLES
PROPOSALS/GOALS
- Free Dance Classes via submission process
- Performances by BIPOC artists
- Networking events: DIPR Connections
- Classes for Blind/Deaf dancers
- Food donations for homeless/starving artists
- A support group for artists
- Mental Health Resources
- Braille and Sign Language Classes
- Poetry/Spoken Word Initiative