Arielle Valera’s Reflection 

Fall 2022 - Spring 2023 Dance Generators Assistant & Social Media Manager

This past year I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with Dance Generators. I really enjoyed my role as the Tik Tok manager for the company because I got to capture the memories of the company and share them with others. The role has allowed me to help connect Dance Generators to other audiences and spread the message about breaking aging stereotypes. As a Gerontology Minor, I was inspired to work with the older adult population due to my experience of working at a senior nursing home. An essential part of my job and in nursing is communication and building trust. We learn how to communicate properly whether that be through words, touch, or even silence. Dance Generators has helped expand my knowledge on how trust and communication can be achieved through even more ways; movement. All members are able to come as they are with no fear of being judged for how they express themselves. They are able to just dance and feed off each other's energies, showing their trust in one another without having to utter words. I have been appreciative of the stories, laughter, evolvement, and dedication that is brought to each rehearsal and performance. Dance Generators has allowed me to form deeper connections with the older adult community and see dance in a new light. One specific relationship I had never thought I would develop was a friendship with Sondra, one of the new older adults. Her passion for dance and life has shown me that life is a gift and that we should enjoy every second of it. Furthermore, I am thankful for being someone she can rely on for things like tech help and updates in regard to performances and rehearsals. I didn’t really think I would form as much of a connection as I did with Sondra or any member going into this. Dance Generators has taught me to accept people for themselves and take opportunities to build connections with those you never thought you would. They ask us to take a leap and challenge ourselves to do what we might think is scary, for the chance to build something great.  As a future nurse, I hope to take the values that Dance Generators has taught me into my career and always remember that forming connections goes beyond age.