Colors of Mind Dance
We are a nonprofit that partners with licensed & board certified dance therapists to help children & teenagers have access to movement therapy classes as an aid to improve mental health in the Austin area.
Our Mission Statement
Our mission is to use dance as a therapeutic tool to improve the mental health and well-being of youth. We aim to create a supportive environment where children and teenagers can explore new forms of self-expression, helping them communicate in ways they may not have previously considered. Additionally, we strive to provide an outlet that fosters positive self-perception and equips young people with the emotional resilience to navigate future challenges.
What we do
I am pleased to be working with Licensed Professional Counselor and Dance/Movement Therapist, Wakelyn Malitz, to offer therapeutic dance movement classes for children in the Austin area. While dance movement therapy is relatively underrecognized locally, we are committed to changing that by providing a unique opportunity for children to engage in movement that supports their mental and emotional well-being. Our goal is to raise awareness of this therapeutic approach, educate the community, and help children benefit from its positive impact.
Why us
We have taken the initiative to establish and grow this nonprofit with the goal of positively impacting children’s mental health today. As a teenager who has faced personal challenges before, during, and after COVID-19, we understand how overwhelming the added pressures of school, relationships, and family life can be. These struggles make it even more difficult to cope with daily stresses and emotions.
Through my own experiences, I found that dance became a valuable outlet for self-expression when words fell short. It provided a way for me to release stress and process feelings in a healthy and creative manner. Mental health is a longstanding issue for my age group, but the pandemic has worsened these challenges, leaving many young people in need of support.
After further research, I recognized an opportunity to introduce dance as a form of therapy and encourage others to try it as a tool for emotional healing. This inspired me to expand this nonprofit with the hope of offering a second option for children in our community. Having personally navigated these struggles, I am passionate about helping others on their mental health journey by providing dance as a positive, empowering escape.
Avni Balakrishnan’s Dance Journey
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Donate to support our cause and help our program, every cent counts. We appreciate any assistance you can give us!