K.S. J.A.M.M. Dance Troupe - Mission, History & Nondiscrimination Policy

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MISSION

K.S. J.A.M.M. Dance Troupe is a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization whose mission is to provide youth and young adults from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with a means of self-expression and self-development through exceptional dance, choreography and costuming.

HISTORY

K.S.J.A.M.M. Dance Troupe was founded in 1988, at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, by Kashani Stokley and his youth counselor Stan Morse. Mr. Morse encouraged him at the age of 12, to share his passion for dance with other youth in the community. The Troupe's name was established in 1994, by taking the first initial of each of the original members’ name:

K.ashani S.helly J.aphia A.frica M.alesha M.elanie

Since then, K.S. J.A.M.M. Dance Troupe has produced (36) annual recitals, provided classes, workshops and camps to over 1,000 students and has been exhibited in the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Brooklyn Historical Society, Society for Preservation of Weeksville and Bedford Stuyvesant’s traveling exhibit “The Crown Heights History Project” in 1994.

During its 12th year, K.S. J.A.M.M. Dance Troupe had to cope with the untimely passing of an extraordinary dancer, choreographer and friend Shelly Thompson. As a tribute to Shelly, the annual Dancer of the Year Award was re-named “The Shelly Thompson Dancer of the Year Award”. This award recognizes a student who has exhibited exceptional dance capability, desired interest, overwhelming commitment and dedication to his/her self-development through dance.

K.S.J.A.M.M. Dance Troupe conducts a 10-Month September through June Instructional Cycle where youth and young adults learn dance techniques and choreography in Modern, Jazz, Tap, African and Hip-Hop dance. The culmination of the year’s work is presented in an annual June recital attended by an average audience of 600 family members, friends, guests and the local community.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY FOR STAFF AND STUDENTS

K.S. J.A.M.M. Dance Troupe strictly adheres to a policy of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination for both employees and students. The organization is committed to maintaining an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment in all aspects of its operations, including employment and educational programs.

For Employees:
K.S. J.A.M.M. Dance Troupe provides equal employment opportunities in all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training and development, work assignments, compensation, promotion, demotion, discipline, termination, and access to benefits. The organization does not discriminate, and will not tolerate discrimination, against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status or alienage, disability (including pregnancy and childbirth-related medical conditions), qualified veteran status, marital status, partnership status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity), genetic predisposition or carrier status, unemployment status, or status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking, and/or sex offenses, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

For Students:
K.S. J.A.M.M. Dance Troupe admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Accommodations:
Upon request, K.S. J.A.M.M. Dance Troupe will provide reasonable accommodations for employees, applicants, or students who are members of a protected class and qualify for such accommodations, unless doing so would cause an undue hardship to the organization.

This policy reflects K.S. J.A.M.M. Dance Troupe’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for all members of its community.

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