July 2026 Edition: A New Chapter Begins ⭐
Dear friend,
July has been a month of celebration, reflection, and exciting new beginnings for DanceStream Projects.
On July 22, we joined organizations around the world in celebrating World Brain Day, an international initiative led by the World Federation of Neurology. This year's theme, "Access for All," reminds us that brain health doesn't only happen in clinics—it happens in community centers, parks, living rooms, and every place where people come together to move, create, connect, and belong.
This message feels especially meaningful to us because we have another milestone to celebrate.
We are thrilled to announce that DanceStream Projects is now an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization!
After five years of community collaboration, artistic exploration, and the extraordinary dedication of our teaching artists, partners, volunteers, board members, and participants, we are beginning an exciting new chapter. Becoming a 501(c)(3) strengthens our ability to expand our programs, deepen community partnerships, and ensure that even more people can experience the joy and brain health benefits of dance and movement.
Thank you for believing in this vision and helping us reach this milestone. This achievement belongs to all of us.
At DanceStream Projects, we have long believed that brain health is for everyone. Every free dance class, educational workshop, podcast conversation, and community partnership is built around the idea that creative movement can help spark healthier brains, stronger relationships, and more connected communities.
That belief continues to grow. Last year alone, we reached nearly 450 unique participants through 170 free dance and educational programs across New York City and the United States. In 2026, we are already on track to offer nearly 350 programs while engaging close to 700 unique individuals—our largest reach yet.
This month's newsletter celebrates that momentum.
You'll learn about our new Raising Our Voices project in partnership with the remarkable RSS Center for Ageless Living and Adult Day Program in the Bronx, made possible through the generous support of CitizensNYC. Through dance and poetry, participants will explore the stories and issues that matter most to them, culminating in a community performance and a printed zine that celebrates their individual and collective voices.
We're also sharing highlights from World Brain Day, along with the newly released World Health Organization guidelines on brain health and dementia prevention, which reinforce the importance of lifestyle actions that support healthy brains throughout life.
Continuing this theme, the newest episode of the Dancing into Brain Health podcast features neuroscientist Dr. Rona Graham, who explores the fascinating connection between our sense of smell and brain health—and offers a simple, evidence-based practice that anyone can begin incorporating into daily life.
Finally, we invite you to explore our August calendar of free dance and educational programs across New York City and online. Whether you're joining us for the first time or returning to dance with our community, we hope you'll find an opportunity to move, connect, create, and belong.
There is so much to look forward to this fall, and we can't wait to share what's next.
With hope and love,
