CULTURE SHOCK DC/ 2013 Annual Report by Corey Moore

CULTURE SHOCK DC/ 2013 Annual Report

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are a organization dedica artist development, and comm power and beauty of Hip Hop c

ated to innovative performance, munity enrichment, revealing the culture to diverse communities.â&#x20AC;?

CULTURE SHOCK DC/ 2013 Annual Report Culture Shock, Washington, D.C. Inc. (CSDC) is a non-profit Hip Hop dance organization dedicated to innovative performance, artist development, and community enrichment, revealing the power and beauty of Hip Hop culture to diverse communities. CSDC is committed to using the art of Hip Hop dance as a tool for providing constructive alternatives for urban youth through dance training and mentor relationships, as well as educating the broader community about the positive influences and possibilities of Hip Hop culture. Culture Shock dancers are trained in Hip Hop and American Street Dance by national and international dance instructors who introduce new and exciting choreography at our weekly company classes. In a world where style and music are constantly changing, Culture Shock choreography remains innovative and unique, resulting in a troupe of individuals who express Hip Hop in a style all their own. Culture Shock dancers take their passion one step further by sharing their talents with the surrounding community.

Culture Shock’s on-going commitment to community involvement is exemplified by its Future Shock and Mighty Shock youth outreach programs. Culture Shock dancers work with Future Shock and Mighty Shock kids to offer them a positive alternative to some of the destructive influences plaguing today’s youth and promote self-confidence. The family environment fosters teamwork, respect, and positive self-expression. Future Shock and Mighty Shock dancers are then given the opportunity to exhibit and showcase their talents to the community, friends, family, and peers. Future Shock dancers are required to maintain satisfactory grade-point averages and participate regularly in local community events. Culture Shock exists today in 8 cities nationally and internationally all sharing the same philosophy: “We are a troupe of individuals, who through the power of music and dance, cultivate self worth, dignity and respect for all people.”

We are a non-profit (501c3) fully administered by volunteers and dependent upon dancer dues and generous donations to continue our programs.

CONTENTS LETTER FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS/ Dear Friends and Family of Culture Shock DC

OUR DANCERS’ STORY/ A SUCCESS STORY AND IN THEIR OWN WORDS Our Dancers’ Story/ A Success Story: CHRISTOPHER LAW Our Dancers’ Story/ In Their Own Words: MONICA POLK Our Dancers’ Story/ In Their Own Words: ANDY KWON PARTNERSHIPS, GRANTS, & COMMUNITY OUTREACH FINANCIAL SUMMARY BOARD MEMBERS & STAFF DONATE

11 13 14 17 23 25 29

LETTER FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dear Friends and Family of Culture Shock DC

LETTER FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS/ Dear Friends and Family of Culture Shock DC, Wow! What a year! I am delighted to share Culture Shock DC’s (CSDC) 11th Anniversary Season Annual Report with you. In 2013, CSDC continued to share the power and beauty of Hip Hop to diverse audiences via innovative performance, artist development, and community enrichment programs in the DC metropolitan area. Every effort, activity, and performance this year, as well as preceding years, has a cumulative impact on strengthening our dancers, the CSDC family, and overall community. This year’s annual report is a celebration of artists of all ages who use their talent, passion, and determination to provide constructive alternatives for urban youth. This is achieved through dance training and mentor relationships, as well as educating the broader community about the positive influences and possibilities of Hip Hop culture. I’d like to share some highlights and accomplishments from 2013 for each objective of our mission: A. INNOVATIVE PERFORMANCE & ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT 1. Our youth troupes performed at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. 2. We hosted the Culture Shock Annual International Choreographer’s Showcase featuring local, national, and international dance troupes which captivated over 900 audience members. 3. Our dance troupes traveled across the United States and Canada to perform at various showcases, including the Culture Shock Ottawa’s Annual Showcase in Ottawa, Canada. 4. Our dancers performed at the Kennedy Center for National Dance Day in July 2013.

B. COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT 1. Our dancer instructors shared their talents and passion for Hip Hop with urban youth – partnering with So Others Might Eat (S.O.M.E.), Maya Angelou Public Charter School/ Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). 2. We helped implement several after school programs in area high schools and community centers, to provide better access to dance education for everyone.

We have much to celebrate in 2013 and we look forward to more great accomplishments and growth in 2014. Together we have the power to impact individuals and our community. Sincerely, Angelica Mendoza Chair, Board of Directors, Culture Shock DC 7

OUR DANCERS’ STORY

A Success Story and in Their Own Words

A Success Story

“Culture Shock has taught me so much... I’m forever grateful for the experiences I’ve had and people I’ve grown to call my family.” Our Dancers’ Story/ A Success Story: CHRISTOPHER LAW (Letter to the Executive Director)

Hey Margareta, I never got a chance to formally thank you for your help during the process of me applying to Grad school. Don’t know if you heard or not, but I was accepted into the University of Maryland College Park for the upcoming fall semester and will be focusing my studies on the economic, social, and musical influences that played a role in the development of hip-hop and urban dance. I will also be teaching a hip-hop movement class as apart of the university’s curriculum.

Culture Shock has taught me so much throughout the years I’ve been involved. I’m forever grateful for the experiences I’ve had and people I’ve grown to call my family. Thank you so much for continually providing artists such as myself a venue to learn as well as contribute to a greater cause. I don’t know for sure what the future holds for me in going back to school; but if I ever get myself into a position where I’m able to contribute to CSDC’s growth on a larger scale, please be assured that I will do so. Thank you again. 11

In Their Own Words

“... the team was definitely a challenge for me, but it helped me grow stronger and push harder...” Our Dancers’ Story/ In Their Own Words: MONICA POLK

Being a member of Future Shock DC for the past 8 years has had an immeasurable positive impact on my life. My journey began in September of 2005 when my mother met Kevin Collin, most people know him as Tony Tzar. He told her that he was starting a new kids group, Future Shock, and was looking for people to audition. I remember being so nervous at that audition because I had no real dance training besides summer camp at St. Albans. My first year on Future Shock I made alternate. Throughout the year my mom helped me practice and train and eventually I worked my way up to the core team. Being one of the youngest members on the team was definitely a challenge for me, but it helped me grow stronger and push harder to get up to their level. 13

“It helped me calm down, be patient and helped me realize how important and effective teamwork can be.” Our Dancers’ Story/ In Their Own Words: ANDY KWON

What years were you on Future Shock and/or Culture Shock? I was on CSDC for 3 years from 2008-2010. How old were you when you started, and how old are you now? I was 20 when I first started dancing with CSDC and I’m 25 now, turning 26 this year. What is your current occupation? I am the Logistics Officer for a Security Assistance and Advisory Team (SFAAT) for an Afghan National Army Infantry Kandak (Battalion). These jobs are normally reserved for Special Forces but due to the massive draw down with the War on Terror in Afghanistan and other operations Special Forces do not have the manpower to advise the hundreds of Afghans Kandaks. Due to the nature of the mission, SFAAT members are hand selected and/or are highly recommended by their chain of command for these sorts of positions. 14

What is your current involvement with the Culture Shock Organization? Currently I am an alumnus. Between the deployments and other training exercises, I take advantage and every opportunity to come home to watch the showcase events such as East Coast Dance Concert and the annual Culture Shock Showcase. The workshops following the showcase are a definite must and there is no question to ask if I am going to attend those classes. Majority of the times I assist with the events in order to help facilitate the night and traffic the stage area for groups prior and after their performance.

Talk about your experience with Culture Shock. CSDC wasn’t just instrumental in helping me identify my inspiration and aspirations for dancing but my growth and maturity as an adult as well. As a young Christian, I finally understood what the Lord truly meant when he told us to “Love one another”. Prior to CSDC, I had never been around homosexuals or flamboyant personalities. Trust was difficult for me at the time and I didn’t like to rely on anyone for anything. Additionally, coming from a martial arts background, it was all about you and no one else. It didn’t take long until a dear friend and sister of mine, Chelsea Cooper, encouraged me to “run towards embarrassment”. That meant getting out of my comfort zone and I wasn’t too convinced with the idea at first. After the many rehearsals, performances, travels and just being in the same atmosphere with her and the rest of the company, it radically changed my views and perspectives. It helped me calm down, be patient and helped me realize how important and effective teamwork can be. In fact, CSDC felt more like my family than it did at home. Now as an alumnus with a combat tour in Afghanistan completed and another in the spring, I realized how much of an impact the years on CSDC did for me. I channel my experiences in CSDC with my Soldiers during our deployment to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom X-XI and was able to return home safely with all 40 Soldiers. The bottom Line Up Front? There is no sacred cow. It’s just one team, one fight. 15

PARTNERSHIPS, GRANTS, & COMMUNITY OUTREACH

PARTNERSHIPS

American Association of Suicidology Boys and Girls Club Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District and Monument Realty CityDance D.C. Dance Collective Filipino Cultural Association of University of Maryland Filipino Young Professionals (FYP) Mason/Rhynes Productions/ Black Expressions Series NCNW Black Family Reunion Celebration Philippine Cultural Society of George Washington University Poetry In Motion Round House Theater Smithsonian Institute The Kennedy Center - Millennium Stage

GRANTS

In September 2013, Culture Shock DC approached So Others Might Eat (S.O.M.E.) to offer Hip Hop dance instruction to children living in low-income housing. Culture Shock now offers bi-weekly Hip Hop dance instruction to 53 underprivileged children to enhance their self-esteem and give them a sense of belonging. All participants learn choreography and have the opportunity to perform at our 4th annual Youth Showcase on March 23, 2013 at the Schlesinger Center in Alexandria, VA. For these youth, they will perform on a big stage for the first time in their lives and feel the pride of an audience cheering them on!

To support our community outreach at S.O.M.E., Culture Shock applied for and successfully received a grant of $10,000 from the Dizzy Feet Foundation to pay for transportation, instructors and administration of the program. We are so proud of the work we are doing to bring the joy of dance to a whole new group of kids in the DC area! And we know that this experience will be life changing and give these youth an alternative to gang and other non-productive activities.

Members of The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region saw us perform at National Dance Day July 2013 and invited us to submit a grant proposal for operating support. In November 2013, we received a $10,000 grant to help fund the operating aspect of our organization.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

An important part of Culture Shock’s mission is to educate our dancers on the importance of giving back to their communities. Dancers contribute in many ways—performing for free at community events, teaching class to the homeless and low income students in the DC area, organizing food and clothing drives, tutoring and so much more. Culture Shock’s on-going commitment to community involvement is exemplified by its Future Shock and Mighty Shock youth outreach programs. Maya Angelou Public Charter School/ Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services The Maya Angelou Public Charter School asked Culture Shock DC to help serve these youth with dance education. We have two instructors from our adult troupe, Afta Shock, teaching weekly Hip Hop classes to minority youth from all parts of DC ages ranging from 14-20, giving them the much needed chance to learn new moves, understand the discipline and skill of mastering choreography and timing in a group setting. Culture Shock is positively changing lives for these teenagers.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS Artomatic Arts and Humanities Commission of Washington, DC/ Hip Hop Theatre Festival Children's Chance Foundation Dance is the Answer Dancing for Burma: Dance Benefit for Victims of Cyclone Nargis DC Public Arts and Collaborative DC Roller Girls Fannie Mae Homeless Walk Maya Angelou Public Charter School/ Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) S.O.M.E. – So Others May Eat SHARE Food Network DC Arts and Humanities Children’s Hospital Nannie Lee Center

2013 FINANCIAL SUMMARY

In support of its mission, CSDCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fiscal objectives are to ensure the organization's financial stability and to provide a strong foundation to enable its continued growth. In 2013, CSDC's organizational budget totaled over $40,001, composed primarily by operational income, including member dues and performance honorariums. Generous contributions from individuals and organizations continue to play a pivotal role in CSDCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth.

BOARD MEMBERS & STAFF

BOARD MEMBERS

Angelica Mendoza, President/Chairman Angelica Mendoza is the President of the Board of Directors of Culture Shock Washington, D.C. Inspired by the unique and worthy mission of Culture Shock Washington, D.C, in 2007, she joined the organization and continues to be inspired by dedication, talent, and passion of the all volunteer-staff and dancers. She attended the University of Texas at San Antonio and graduated with a degree in international business and economics, in 2000. She has been in the DC area for 12 years. Ms. Mendoza has 7 years of non-profit and small business experience. She and the Board of Directors are committed to supporting the programs offered by Culture Shock Washington, D.C. and actively seeking grant and sponsorship opportunities for the organization. Maria Dybczak, Vice President; General Counsel Maria Dybczak is the Vice President, General Counsel for Culture Shock DC. Ms. Dybczak has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2009, and also serves as Director of Finance for the organization. Having accepted her limits on the dance floor Maria brings her experience with non-profit community outreach organizations, investment banking, and as an attorney with the Federal Government, to her various roles in administration and operational support. As the Director of Finance, Maria Dybczak also has extensive experience working with financial matters for various organizations. Ms. Dybczak oversees the accounting, bookkeeping and finance functions for CSDC, as supports the Comptroller in preparing tax and other regulatory documents. Ms. Dybczak is also a member of the Board. David Cobb, Comptroller/CPA David Cobb is currently responsible for monitoring financial operations, preparing financial statements, tax filings and assisting with grant filings for Culture Shock DC. While serving on the CSDC Board of Directors, David works in the Chief Accountantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department at TD Bank Toronto where he is responsible for advising the US Personal & Commercial Banking segment on all accounting matters. David graduated with a dual major in accounting and finance from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington.

Tristan Cabalar, Chief Information Officer Tristan Cabalar served as the Secretary of the Board an advisor on Organizational Structure and has now been assigned to lead Information Services. He has extensive dance experience, dating back to 1999, dancing with several Hip Hop groups. He was the founder and board member of Hip Hop Dance Association from 2005 to 2012. Tristan is currently an Application Developer and has a wide range of experience including sales and marketing in retail banking and supply chain systems management. Mr. Cabalar also serves as the Information Technology Director, managing all of the website development for the organization. Tiffany Bailey, Strategic Advisor Tiffany Bailey serves on the Board as Strategic Advisor. Ms. Bailey has a law degree and has been involved with various organizations in the legal community, but it was her love of dance and community service that brought her initially to Culture Shock San Diego. She served on Culture Shock San Diego’s board for two years before deciding to move to Washington, DC in August 2011 to pursue her Master’s in Public Health. Ms. Bailey began serving on Culture Shock D.C.’s board shortly thereafter. Tanya Rhone, Professional Advisor Tanya Rhone helps guide the organization structure and leadership development as well as offering sound advice on business principles and marketing strategy. Ms. Rhone is the founder and principal of Two Roads Consulting, a business consulting practice offering guidance in strategic planning, leadership and organizational excellence. For over twenty years, Ms. Rhone sharpened her business leadership skills at major companies such as Starbucks Coffee Company and The Clorox Company. Ms. Rhone graduated with a bachelor’s degree from University of Oregon and an MBA from University of Southern California. After being inspired by Culture Shock D.C.’s 2012 East Coast Dance Concert, Ms. Rhone sought an opportunity to contribute to this amazing organization.

Damon Silas Psy.D., Dancersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Liaison Damon A. Silas serves as the Dancersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Liaison, providing the Board with the unique perspective of the dancers within troupes. Since completing his doctorate degree in Child and Adolescent Psychology in 2002 at The George Washington University, Dr. Damon (aka Doc D) has been a member of Culture Shock DC. He was both a choreographer and dancer for the team, as well as the captain and eventually Assistant Artistic Director. Doc D is currently the Artistic Director for Afta Shock, the troupe that is tailored to the older, more seasoned dancers. During the day, Dr. Silas works in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, utilizing his psychological background in order to provide therapy and conduct assessments so as to best serve children, adolescents and adults.

STAFF

Margareta Chughtai, Executive Director & Founder JV Valencia, Culture Shock Chief Artistic Director Kim Arteche, Culture Shock Operations Director Damon Silas, Afta Shock Artistic Director Lisa Geter-Norman, Youth Programs Director Nathalie Blanco, Future Shock Artistic Directors Justin Cortez , Future Shock Artistic Directors Ashley Chapman, Mighty Shock Artistic Directors Liz Moreton, Mighty Shock Artistic Directors Tricia Orpilla, Mini Shock Artistic Director

DONATE

We are a non-profit (501c3) fully administered by volunteers and dependent upon dancer dues and generous donations to continue our programs.

To learn more about our fundraising efforts and how you can get involved, please contact our Operations Director at info@cultureshockdc.org.

Your tax-deductible cash donation will bring us closer to our goal to allow the organization to continue to operate and grow. You can help us to address the following three areas that are critical to the future of the organization as a meaningful player in Washington’s vibrant arts community:

To arrange a single or monthly contribution from your bank or credit card, please email our Operations Director at info@cultureshockdc.org.

A. Permanent Studio Space for the next 5 years: $300,000 B. Program Expansion and Enhancement: $200,000 C. Organizational Stability: $500,000 D. Your donation also supports ongoing needs: 1. Local Performance Venue costs 2. Travel to Perform in other cities 3. Scholarships for dance students 4. Food and drinks for dancers at performances 5. Summer Youth Programs 6. Staff, Instructor and Administrative costs

By Mail Culture Shock Washington DC 606 Shore Acres Road Arnold MD 21012-1647 By Phone 301-351-2923

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are a troupe of individuals, and dance, cultivate self worth, d

who through the power of music dignity and respect for all people.â&#x20AC;?