Long-time Brentwood resident Glorya Kaufman gave a substantial gift to USC recently for the purpose of starting a dance school there. Here are some excerpts from a speech she gave at a dinner in her honor:
I sometimes tour schools and dance facilities where the youngsters are learning how to dance. I watch them and know that their dancing experiences will be very helpful as they go through so many of life’s challenges. It will help give them confidence, self awareness, self assurance.
My dad shared his love of dance with me, I often watched my parents dance in the living room and saw the loving interaction created by dancing. It definitely left a lasting impression which can never be forgotten.
Dance has been a tool of well-being since man can calculate. It was used to communicate before we had language to express feelings. It passes stories from one generation to another and it has been used for generations for healing rituals. Dance crosses all boundaries resulting in uniting people of diversified cultures. There is a healing that takes place in the spirit when we observe or participate in dance.
The mind and body work together bringing to the surface emotions along with feelings. It creates a sense of renewal, unity and completeness, improves self-awareness, self confidence, better posture, and inter-personal interaction.
Some say that dance helps the immune system through muscular action. Medical science has stepped up as a champion using it as a tool to help ailments such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinsons Disease, heart attacks and Autism. It reduces the risk of some cancers along with promoting good mobility and muscle coordination.
On a smaller scale, members of the audience, along with the dancers, can allow their problems to disappear for the time being.
I am grateful for the opportunity to be in the position I find myself, to think that so many will be able to fulfill not only their dreams but also bring great joy to so many.
–Glorya Kaufman
