Grant's Safari

'Grant's Safari' is a multi media movement performance presented by Javanna Productions' M.O.V.E. For Autism (M4A). For the launching of Autism awareness month, Javanna Productions' dancers will use movement to explore the mind of an autistic child. In 2005, Grant Johnson was diagnosed with Autism. Mover Nicole Johnson (19), Choreographer and Creative Director, is using the fascinating elements of her brother's disability to create a one hour hip-hop and contemporary movement piece. Despite his disorder, Grant Johnson (12) has a profound talent for naming and recognizing wild and exotic animals. Therefore, 'Grant's Safari' will be narrated by Grant Johnson himself.

On March 31st the dancers will serve as Grant's safari and he will serve as the audience's guide. The proceeds of this event will be donated to Autism Speaks and QSAC (Quality Services For The Autism Community). President of Autism Speaks, Mark Roithmayr and general manager of QSAC (Quality Services For The Autism Community) Jason B. Schmidt, are proud supporters of these teen dancers and their past socially responsible performances.

Javanna Productions' M.O.V.E. For Autism was established in New York city by choreographer and NYU sophomore Nicole Javanna Johnson. In efforts to raise funds and awareness for her brother's disability, Nicole Johnson produced the first of many M.O.V.E. For Autism Showcases in the Spring of 2009. Since then, the company has raised over $15,000 for larger non-profit organizations such as Autism Speaks and QSAC (Quality Services For The Autism Community).

Nicole Johnson seeks to call attention to the fascinating abilities of autistic individuals and demonstrate that autism is not something to be afraid of, but something to be inspired by. The movement piece is being performed by dancers from Canada, Bolivia, Spain, France and the US. All of these dancers were selected from Broadway Dance Center's Training Program. This international group of dancers are launching Autism Awareness Month in a way unlike any other dance company.

'Grant's Safari' March 31st at 7:00 P.M. Professional Performing Arts School 328 West 48th St New York, NY $20.00 Admission

For more information click HERE!

Washington Square Sparks

Photography By James Koroni

DANCERS

Nicole Johnson,

Pierce Cady, Javier Gonzalez, Clare Maceda, Alex Sala, Randel Santangelo &

Anthony.

MOVE For Autism, April 26th at 52 Street Project

You are cordially invited to an enchanted evening, with 'Mover' Nicole Johnson, where you will be inspired by artists united by their unique voice, "movement." Javanna Productions' M.O.V.E. (Motivation Opportunity Vision Entertainment) and Broadway Dance Center presents 'M.O.V.E. For Autism.' A night of movement and dance to raise funds and awareness for the autistic community. Featuring students from BDC's ISVP, Pro Semester, and Training Program along with original M.O.V.E. members and a few special guests!

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Our compassionate 'Mover' Nicole Johnson created an initiative for dancers to contribute their "voice" to assist communities with compromised living conditions. She developed JP, Javanna Productions, when she was thirteen years old and since then has had a very positive response from audiences across the country.

JP's 'M.O.V.E.' is their most recent endeavor which is ultimately trying to make the world an easier place to live in. They focus on many different social issues and reach out to those who are in need of resources such as the Autistic community, the Cambodian community, Cancer stricken patients in the U.S. and an orphanage in Uganda. They intend to raise awareness and funds for these causes while using their craft and doing what makes them happy.

Check out their promotional video:

Here's where you can contribute. Simply stop by and enjoy the show! The most charming aspect of Nicole Johnson's 'M.O.V.E.' is all her efforts inspire happiness in the lives of those involved.

LINKS: AutismSpeaks.org jpmove.webs.com BroadwayDanceCenter.com