A Letter from the Actors Fund Healing the Dancer Support Group
Dear Friends, My name is Alice Vienneau. I am the designated social worker heading up the new Dancers' Resource program here at The Actors Fund. The new program is specifically geared toward the dance community and will address the unique situations dancers face because of the physically demanding nature of their work coupled with the significant financial challenges of earning a living in dance.
Below is a short description of our program which begins February 12th. Please contact me by email or at the number below if you are interested in participating in this eight week group, or want to learn more about this exciting new program.
ACTORS FUND LAUNCHES DANCERS' RESOURCE PROGRAM
The Dancers' Resource will offer seminars specifically designed for dancers, serve as a "support system" and will offer groups for dancers dealing with injuries or other health concerns. The Dancers' Resource will have an online component to link dancers' to additional resources and to create an online community for dancers. The program will also address mental health issues including eating disorders, substance abuse, depression and other clinical areas.
The Dancers' Resource program was founded by Actors Fund Trustee Bebe Neuwirth. "Now there is somewhere dancers can go to safely and confidentially address their unique and complicated challenges," said Neuwirth.
The initiative grew out of Neuwirth's personal experience as a dancer. "Last year I had hip replacement surgery," said Neuwirth. "It came after several years of physical therapy, arthroscopic surgery, and excruciating pain. Add to that the emotional stress of not being able to dance and not wanting people to know about my condition--and I think you understand what that prison is like. After the replacement I recognized how extremely lucky I was to have a great doctor and great support from the few people with whom I shared my secret. And so I'd like to create a support system for other dancers."
Dancers' Resource social worker Alice Vienneau, who spent 25 years on stage as a musical theatre performer before getting her social work degree, understands the unique challenges faced by performers. "My job is to pay attention to the specific needs of dancers," she said. "The Dancers' Resource will focus specifically on the needs of dancers and offer a gateway into The Fund."
The Dancers' Resource is just one of dozens of lifesaving programs provided by The Actors Fund. From the Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic, AIDS services and the Health Insurance Resource Center to employment training, healthcare and housing, The Actors Fund is meeting the very real needs of the performing arts and entertainment community.
For more information about The Dancers' Resource and other programs offered by The Fund, call 212.221.7300 x177 or click on the link below.
Regards,
Alice Vienneau, MSW
The Dancers' Resource
Dear Friends, My name is Alice Vienneau. I am the designated social worker heading up the new Dancers' Resource program here at The Actors Fund. The new program is specifically geared toward the dance community and will address the unique situations dancers face because of the physically demanding nature of their work coupled with the significant financial challenges of earning a living in dance.
Below is a short description of our program which begins February 12th. Please contact me by email or at the number below if you are interested in participating in this eight week group, or want to learn more about this exciting new program.
ACTORS FUND LAUNCHES DANCERS' RESOURCE PROGRAM
The Dancers' Resource will offer seminars specifically designed for dancers, serve as a "support system" and will offer groups for dancers dealing with injuries or other health concerns. The Dancers' Resource will have an online component to link dancers' to additional resources and to create an online community for dancers. The program will also address mental health issues including eating disorders, substance abuse, depression and other clinical areas.
The Dancers' Resource program was founded by Actors Fund Trustee Bebe Neuwirth. "Now there is somewhere dancers can go to safely and confidentially address their unique and complicated challenges," said Neuwirth.
The initiative grew out of Neuwirth's personal experience as a dancer. "Last year I had hip replacement surgery," said Neuwirth. "It came after several years of physical therapy, arthroscopic surgery, and excruciating pain. Add to that the emotional stress of not being able to dance and not wanting people to know about my condition--and I think you understand what that prison is like. After the replacement I recognized how extremely lucky I was to have a great doctor and great support from the few people with whom I shared my secret. And so I'd like to create a support system for other dancers."
Dancers' Resource social worker Alice Vienneau, who spent 25 years on stage as a musical theatre performer before getting her social work degree, understands the unique challenges faced by performers. "My job is to pay attention to the specific needs of dancers," she said. "The Dancers' Resource will focus specifically on the needs of dancers and offer a gateway into The Fund."
The Dancers' Resource is just one of dozens of lifesaving programs provided by The Actors Fund. From the Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic, AIDS services and the Health Insurance Resource Center to employment training, healthcare and housing, The Actors Fund is meeting the very real needs of the performing arts and entertainment community.
For more information about The Dancers' Resource and other programs offered by The Fund, call 212.221.7300 x177 or click on the link below.
Regards,
Alice Vienneau, MSW
The Dancers' Resource