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About Perceptual Motion, Inc.
Perceptual Motion is a multigenerational modern dance company born out
of the belief that people of all ages and backgrounds can be touched and
empowered by dance. Its mission is to transform the abstract imagery of
dance into personal, meaningful experiences. Perceptual Motion’s
programming explores and celebrates the powerful impact of dance and its
true purpose: to communicate, express and celebrate life. The company
is composed of seven dancers whose ages range from 24 to 89. It is a non-profit,
tax-exempt organization approaching its 26th year.
Perceptual Motion’s Dance programs empower students of all ages
by giving them opportunities to experience the endless possibilities for
self-expression found in dance and movement. A key component in PMI’s
programming is encouragement of participants to respect and believe in
themselves. An optimum environment for growth and learning is achieved
with a combination of individual exploration, co-operative learning, dance
technique, decision-making, critical thinking and improvisation. Each
individual is valued and given tools to use to continue learning and growing
in throughout their lives.
The National Center for Creative Aging honored Perceptual Motion as one
of six organizations nationwide to be named Selected Best Practices in
Dance for Older People.
Perceptual Motion’s " Dance Concerts for Senior Citizens"
has received support from CityArts I grants, the Illinois Arts Council,
foundation, corporate, and private donations since 1985. The company has
traveled to as many as 45 nursing home and retirement centers per year,
bringing interactive concert dance, dance residencies and room visits
to elders. PMI has conducted dance residencies for elders at Great Opportunities
Adult Day Care in Skokie, the Imperial and Fairmont Care Center.
In 2008, Perceptual Motion found volunteer Kendra Dinkins to assist with
its annual wine and chocolate tasting benefit through WomenOnCall.org.
Perceptual Motion is thankful for WomenOnCall.org for this connection;
Kendra has been invited to join the PMI board of directors and has become
a great addition to the origination. Kendra attends all board and committee
meetings, has created PMI’s Facebook page, offered creative and sensible
ideas in marketing and event planning. She helped organize the reception
at our annual concert for PMI’s 25th anniversary and has researched
and solicited donors for our benefit.
About Kendra Dinkins
 I
have a degree in Biology from Shaw University in NC and I have been doing
volunteer work for about 7 years now. I currently work as a bookkeeper
for Taylor Electric Company. I began my career as a teacher and community
service coordinator at Saint Mary's School, an all-girls boarding and
day high school in Raleigh, NC. My main task at Saint Mary's was to create
a community service program that would foster a habit of service for others
for our students. Upon moving back to Chicago a few years ago, I wanted
to find some things to do that would allow me to get to know the city
again as well as continue to volunteer as I did when I lived in NC.
Going through a complete career change left me wanting to still have some
activities that were familiar to me, so I searched online, found WomenOnCall.org
and posted my profile listing some of the skill sets I had gained in my
experience as an educator and volunteer.
Through WomenOnCall.org, I have volunteered with Perceptual Motion, Inc.,
a dance organization that promotes dance throughout all stages of life.
Since volunteering one year ago for their annual Wine and Chocolate Benefit,
I have served as a member of the Board and have helped with other events
and performances.
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