M.O.V.E. - Grant's Safari

Last week I had the pleasure of witnessing Grant's Safari, from Javanna Productions, under the creative direction of Nicole Johnson. When it comes to the Safari you might imagine a ruthless world but in watching 'Grant's Safari', I had a very different experience. It's complexity was worth being taken on a journey through.

Nicole Johnson derived inspiration from her brother who is a member of the autistic community. She explained that there is no need to focus on the limitations of these individuals. They have many talents and aspirations. She tapped into her brothers driving force, which happens to be the Safari. Her brother, Grant Johnson can name more animals and facts about them than anyone she knows. This fascinating truth is why Nicole decided to collaborate with him to create 'Grant's Safari'.

You can follow Nicole Johnson's community efforts here: JPmove.webs.com!

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!

Save 5 Pointz

“Save 5 POINTZ” celebrates the worldʼs premiere “Graffiti Mecca” Javanna Productions M.O.V.E. presents “Save 5 Pointz” at 5 Pointz Aerosol Art Center. November 22nd and December 17th

"Save 5 Pointz” presented by Javanna Productions M.O.V.E. is dance piece celebrating the worldʼs premiere “graffiti Mecca,” where aerosol artists from around the globe paint colorful pieces on the walls of a 200,000-square-foot factory building. The “Save 5 Pointz” piece has a mission to recognize and bring attention to the importance of this outstanding structure of 5 Pointz Aerosol Art Center, an outdoor art exhibit space in Long Island City, New York.

The name 5 Pointz signifies the five boroughs coming together as one but, because of its reputation as an epicenter of the graffiti scene, the industrial complex has actually united aerosol artists from across the world. Legendary writers from Canada, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Japan, Brazil, and all over the United States have painted on the building walls.

Javanna Productions (JP) is a non profit 501c3 organization that raises funds and awareness for rising domestic and international social issues via the arts. The members of JP may not be able to stop the demolition of this aerosol epicenter but they are MOVING on November 22nd and December 17th to give thanks and pay their respects to this gorgeous piece of work and the artists that have participated in making it what it is today.

Two Dates: November 22nd at 3:30- 6:00 P.M December 17th at 3:30- 6:00 P.M At 5 Pointz Aerosol Art Center, 45-46 Davis Street, Long Island City, NY 11101 Presented by Javanna Productions M.O.V.E. Free Admissions