'SubWave,' created by Ryan Webber, Gwen Goins, and Rafia Santana, draws from the rhythms of the East River, including waves synchronized with the passing subway, revealing forgotten histories along the shoreline.
"They didn't know how to express themselves. If you ask them how they felt, they will tell you what they did versus the actual feeling," Cooper said. "That's what made me take a deep dive in cognitive behavioral therapy, utilizing that as a tool to teach them how to emotionally regulate, and then to be able to articulate those emotions to the people that they care about."
"Most dance studio education in the U.S. still starts with ballet and works towards recitals. But historically, hundreds of distinct dance traditions emerged from cultures around the world long before ballet became the norm in European courts."
Open Stages was born from the same grief and isolation, and the natural human instinct to gather. Now it's become an annual ritual in Park Slope and a reminder that music not only uplifts everyone, but unites us, too.
"The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff is CUNY's top priority. That's why, over the past two years, the University has invested $850 million in our facilities, completing or advancing more than 100 projects."