603: Groove Dancefloor Experience
9:45-10:45 am
Youth Track
Mbish
Ballroom D
A Groove dancefloor experience is a non-judgmental, creative, and joyful group dance fitness class that emphasizes individual expression over perfect steps. If you can move, you can groove! It involves 2-3 simple movements/rhythms to a variety of music styles, uniting the group while allowing each person to dance in their own unique way. This experience builds confidence and community, encourages self-expression, and improves skills like balance and agility, making it accessible to all levels of experience. GROOVE-ing gives people a break from the mental stress of analyzing and comparing, and instead participants are given a safe space to be themselves. Groove nurtures physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The experience ends with stillness and breathing exercises. (Several songs chosen will be by Indigenous musicians/singers and geared towards teens.)
This offering breaks the cycle of negativity, builds unity, increases health and well-being, battles self-esteem and social disconnect in all ages, and especially youth.
Lead By:
Paula Finfrock (Citizen of The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians), Indigenous Education Consultant and Certified Groove Method® Facilitator - Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District
Paula Finfrock zhaaganaashii-noozwin. Migizi ndoodem. Anishinaabe kwe ndaaw. Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians ndadibendaagwaz. Bahweting ndidaa. Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District (EUPISD) ndooninokiitage. Anishinaabe-gikinoo'amaaged ndoonaangzhe.
My English name is Paula Finfrock. My clan is eagle. I am an Ojibwe woman, a citizen of the Sault Tribe. I work at the EUPISD where I am an Indigenous Education Consultant.
I am the Indigenous Education Consultant for 19 school districts in the Eastern Upper Peninsula region, where I support school staff around Anishinaabe inclusion and engagement within school policies, academics, and environment to better serve our Anishinaabe youth. I am a certified teacher with a B.A. in Education from Michigan State University and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Lake Superior State University. I am currently an Anishinaabemowin Pane Immersion student at Bay Mills Community College. I have spent my life in the culture as well as growing up educating others through Native advocacy. As a Groove Method® Facilitator, I inspire movement and unity while providing a safe place to destress and build confidence. I am grateful to have the opportunity to share this experience with you. Mii'iw Miigwech. Thank you, that is all.