my capstone project

Innovative Leadership:

As a lead educator, artist, choreographer, and dance school founder/director, I demonstrate innovative leadership by effectively planning and executing creative visions while maintaining practicality in real-world settings. I developed course syllabuses and training programs, integrating creative expression in dance and arts with cultural and business studies. I have showcased ability to inspire and educate others through the creation and management of a dance company for 16 years, as well as a clothing manufacturing company for over 20 years. My artistic and expressive imagination drives the choreographic process, inspiring others and fostering a collaborative environment. I have successfully managed several business including a clothing store, dance company and dance institute, demonstrating skills in delegating tasks to employees and leading teams, ensuring that each aspect of the project is executed with precision and excellence.

Resilience and Adaptability:

Throughout my academic journey and professional endeavors, I have demonstrated resilience and adaptability in various personal, business, and artistic scenarios. I have adapted to diverse academic and professional challenges, from choreographic concepts to business strategies for arts organizations.  I maintain persistence by overcoming obstacles in historical research and ethnographic exploration and flexibility in the face of challenges, developing and refining dance pieces and educational materials, accepting both positive and negative feedback with grace.  My ability to consider alternative perspectives and modify plans accordingly enables me to navigate complex situations and achieve success in dynamic environments.

Critical Agency:

I leverage the knowledge and skills acquired through academic coursework and life experiences to drive critical agency and integrated insights from dance, Afro-Latin studies, and business management to create comprehensive educational programs. I have incorporated nterdisciplinary coursework to inform and enhance creative projects, such as choreographic works and business plans.  By continuously seeking problem-solving techniques and applying a blend of personal insights and academic principles, I contribute to the innovative development and realization of my artistic vision.

Intercultural Development and Perspective:

I prioritize intercultural development and perspective by fostering an environment of openness, acceptance, and equality within the Afro-Cuban Dance project. Through cultural awareness and appreciation, I celebrate diversity and inclusivity, recognizing the value of different perspectives and experiences regardless of culture, gender, ethnicity, or race.

Oral and Written Communication:

As a proficient communicator, I effectively convey ideas, instructions, and artistic concepts through both verbal and nonverbal forms of communication. My strong oral and written communication skills are evident in presentations, discussions, and documentation related to the Afro-Cuban Dance project. I critically evaluate and acknowledge sources used to support findings, ensuring the integrity and credibility of my work.

Critical Analysis and Reasoning:

I employ critical analysis and reasoning to formulate questions, analyze problems, and develop innovative solutions throughout the Afro-Cuban Dance project. Drawing from a foundation of academic learning and real-world experiences, I apply rigorous thinking skills to evaluate and refine choreographic concepts, ensuring the coherence and effectiveness of the artistic vision.

Technological Competency:

Utilizing technology as an integral part of my creative process, I demonstrate technological competency by leveraging digital tools and platforms to enhance project management, marketing, and presentation efforts. From designing registration systems and accounting tools to developing websites and multimedia presentations, I harness technology to showcase my creative and educational achievements effectively.

By showcasing these functional competencies in the capstone project, I aim to demonstrate my readiness to contribute meaningfully to the field of dance and arts while exemplifying excellence in leadership, creativity, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• DANC 202 - Dance History: Contemporary Forms: Provides historical context and insight into contemporary dance movements, which is crucial for understanding and integrating Afro-Cuban dance forms.
• AFST 211 - Introduction to Contemporary Africa: Offers a foundational understanding of contemporary African cultures and their diasporic influences, directly informing the Afro-Cuban dance project.
• INDS 310 &b480 - Independent Study Capstone Project Seminar: Guides the structuring individualized degree plan and execution of the capstone project, ensuring methodological rigor and interdisciplinary integration.
• DANC 400 - Independent Studies in Dance: Allows for focused research and practice in dance, facilitating the development of specialized knowledge and skills pertinent to the project.
• DANC 230 - Improvisation: Enhances creative expression and adaptability in dance, important for choreographic experimentation and performance.
• DANC 310 - Intermediate Contemporary Dance Techniques: Builds advanced technical skills, critical for performing and teaching complex dance pieces.
• DANC 330 - Dance Composition: Focuses on the principles of creating dance works, essential for choreographing and structuring original Afro-Cuban dance pieces.
• DANC 240 - Music for Dance: Explores the relationship between music and dance, vital for understanding the rhythmic and musical elements of Afro-Cuban dance.
• MCS 222 - Introduction to Media and Communication Studies: Provides tools for effective communication and media strategy, important for creating and promoting the digital portfolio.
• BA 223 - Marketing: Offers insights into marketing principles and strategies, crucial for promoting dance projects and managing an arts business.
• BUS 300 - Decision Making Concepts: Teaches decision-making processes, applicable to managing and strategizing within the dance institute.
• MGT 332 - Organizational Behavior: Explores dynamics within organizations, aiding in the effective management of dance teams and educational programs.
• FIN 410 - Financial Management: Equips with financial planning and management skills, necessary for running a sustainable dance business.
• EDUC 310 - Inquiry into Education: Provides foundational knowledge in educational theory and practice, informing the development of dance education programs.