2022 Art of Fitness Program test

About Art of Fitness

Through the Art of Fitness Charity Showcase, CAT Studio has been able to raise awareness and funds for children with significant medical difficulties. In the past three years we have raised over $6,000.

In its first year 2019, the art of fitness hosted over 20 performers from all fitness backgrounds and 175 attendees at the Eagle Event Center in Fall River, raising over $3,000 to support Spina Bifida awareness – a type of neural tube defect that affects the spine. These funds directly benefited a beautiful, 10 year old little girl, Layla Rose Smith, living with Spina Bifida. As a result of this support, Layla was not only able to acquire the medical devices she needed for her life’s journey, but she was also able to help other families as well.

Art of Fitness 2020: 2020 brought some interesting challenges but we refused to allow the dynamics of the COVID 19 pandemic to interfere with our ability to host a second Art of Fitness Charity Showcase. Despite the necessity to come together virtually versus in person, 20 performers participated and achieved our $3,000 goal once again. These funds were directly benefited to families striving to care for children with severe medical difficulties.

Art of Fitness 2021: Events & performances were back up and running. Our 3rd Annual Art of Fitness event was held at the historic Fall River Carousel by the Battleship. The Great Gatsby: Murder Mystery was a jubilee, a night full of relationships gone wrong and who done it. We took the stage once again to raise almost $2,000 funds children with special education needs.

About CAT Studio

CAT Studiois located in Swansea, MA. We have always found inspiration in providing safe spaces for individuals to step out of their comfort zones and discover their inner strengthand selflove.

Established in 2009, this has been the primary focus of CAT Studio’s array of aerial fitness classes. Geared towards all ages, from youth to older adults,our class selection is continuously being expanded based on our guests’ shared inspiration.

In particular, our monthly choreography nights provide a powerful way for our guests to share and celebrate their strengthand creativity. These times give studentsan opportunity,to showcase the skills they’ve learned and acquired throughouttheir classes.

It was one of these nights,in fact, that inspired and motivated me to create CAT Studio’s Art of Fitness Charity Showcase!

There is nothing you can’t do if you work hard and have courageand perseverance.

JessicaRose

About Our Cause​ Youth Mental Health Awareness​

CATStudio & the Art of Fitness2022are proud to supportawareness funding of Youth Mental Health foundations& organizations. Statistics showthat; while most youths are healthy, physically and emotionally, one in everyfour to five children in the general populationmeetthe criteria fora lifetimemental health disorder. “Far too many young peopleare struggling with their mental health and unable to getthe supportthey need.Weall have a role to play in supportingyouth mental health and creating a world where young peoplethrive.”​

Learn aboutSurgeonGeneralPriorities

PPAL has beenchosenforseveral reasons:​ https://ppal.net/about-mission/

•They not only provide support they advocate for the system change. They play a role in the new MA law ” Addressing Barriers to Care” which will begin to relive some of the difficulties in obtaining services in MA. https://namimass.org/mental health omnibus bill/

•They are not a government or national agency. This was very important because part of the awareness we are advocating for is to remove the need through government agencies for mental health support

•They are the only MA coalition we have found that provides support and guidance when a parent needs to file a CRA (child requiring service)in the court system.

In the News​

Where’sthe empathy when it comesto manic episodes? USATODAY​ 5 ways to help alleviate the youth mental health epidemic USATODAY​ More states allowing childrenmental health days WashingtonPost​ Pink opensup about personalMental Health Struggles CBSNews

Our Aspiring Advocate

My name is Tracy Blake. I am an OG (original girlfriend) contributor and student at CAT Studio. I am also the mother of a child who struggled with Mental Health Wellbeing for much of their childhood. It was a complex, unfamiliar, and often unaided road.

Most people do not realize that until recently not all youth have access to the same mental wellness services.In MA for a child to qualify for any additional services other than in-office therapy or inpatient hospitalization, they needed state insurance. If you did not meet income guidelines the qualifying event to apply is a patient (hospital) stay.

After the qualifying event, the process was long and cumbersome. Families would often be living in trauma while going through the process. The system was reactive and NEEDED to be proactive. I am happy to say a new law passed just this August has begun to change the process and system.

Along my family’s journey, I decided when my child was a stable young adult, I would make advocating for all minors to qualify for all services regardless of state or private insurance my mission. I am incredibly blessed to say that time is NOW.

I am forever grateful and thankful to Jess Williams owner CAT Studio for bestowing me the first opportunity to bring awareness for more accessibility to mental health wellness for ALL youths and giving me the honor of choosing PPAL -Parent/Professional League as this year’s beneficiary. They are a Massachusetts grassroots organization.

Additional Resources:

WE SHINE OUR LIGHT ON THOSE WE HAVE LOST AND THOSE WHO STILL BATTLE

Welcometo the Art of Fitness: Art GalleryExhibition

You have beeninvited to the Cutler Mill, forthe mostanticipated Art Exhibition of the year! VeronicaLynn the owner & top curator forCATStudio has selected thebestof the best,live art action piecesfroman array ofgenresfrom around the world.

In a strange turn of events,world renowned art curator VeronicaLynn has announced that she will be auctioning offher prizedart collectionin order to travel around the world in a hot air balloonin 80 days.

One lucky guestat this year art exhibitionwill have the honor oftaking over as curator ofthe Art of FitnessGallery. The only way to be consideredforthe position as curator is to bid on a piecefromher collection.The highestbidderwill take home an autographededitionof that performerspieceofart. One ofthese piecesofart will contain the goldenticket. The guestwho bidscorrectly,and gets the goldenticket, will take over the gallery!

This evening will be filledwith performancesthat are sure to defyexplanation! You'll be awed with a Fashion Showthat highlights empowermentfromour past,present& future. Wewill be serving complimentaryappetizersthroughout the night; along with a cash bar stockedwith refreshments.

This Evening's Schedule of Events

ACT 1: The Art of Nostalgia

In our openingArt Collection,we will take a trip through Nostalgia, Music, Film, Paintings, Nature & Athletic artistries that are sure to defyexplanation!

15 Minute Intermission :

Snack on an appetizeras it passesby*Quenchyour thirsty at the Cash Bar Purchase your Live Art Auction PaddleBundle *Bid onthe online silent Auction

ACT 2: The Art of Fashion and Culture

In our 2nd Collection,we will journey into the world of fashion& culture. These piecesare dedicatedtoa particular placein time,a formof self-expression. Metaphorically and physically draping ourselvesin our superpowers,walking the runway of self-love,feelingthe empowermentofcreating preciousdancesthat so oftencontain pieces ofourhistory that would otherwise be lost.

15 Minute Intermission :

Snack on a Treat as it passesby*Quench your thirsty at the CashBar Purchase your Live Art Auction PaddleBundle *Bid onthe online silent Auction

ACT 3: Mental Health Awareness

In our 3rd Art Collectionletus shine our lights onto youth mental health awareness.

AFTERPARTY

Live Art Auction

Pickup your paddleand biddingcash. Getreadyfora chance to take home a specialeditionautographed piecefromtonight'sart collection. Rememberonelucky collectorwill also receivethe honor oftaking over the entire gallery IF their art contains the GOLDENTICKET

Dance and Mingle

ACT 1: The Art of Nostalgia

In our openingArt Collection,we will take a trip through Nostalgia, Music, Film, Paintings, Nature & Athletic artistries that are sure to defyexplanation!

VeronicaLynn Owner - CAT Studio

CATStudio

In this art piece VeronicaLynn presentsCinemaNostalgia

A storyof forbiddenlove, fighting foryour voice to speak up and fightfora life you deserve.Creating change in a world that has rules you donot chooseto follow.

Are youbraveenough?

Song Choice:Lil Mermaid Mix

8 & 1 StudiosEast 8&1

Studios East

In this Art piece,8&1 Dance StudiosEastpresentsWinter Nostalgia.

What is your favorite childhood memory?Wedescribenostalgia as a complexemotion.The emotionis oftentriggeredby encountering a familiar smell, sound,or keepsake.Enjoythis storyof a cozyplayful winter’s day!

Song Choice:Marshmallow World:FrancescaBattistelli

MeenaKhayami

CATStudio Trainer Affiliation: Sky High Studios Paradigm PoleFitness

In this Art piece, Meena presentsvocal artistry. Our voicesare one of our most powerfultools. Wecan use them to heal, createchange and expressourdeepestfeelings.“If I can fly & sing what a beautiful world this will be!”

How will youshare your voice?

Song Choice:The Story: Brandi Carlile

JoleneTheresa

Paradigm PoleFitness

In this Art piece, Jolene Theresa presentsFilm Noir. Film noir is a genre of dark detectivefilmsmade primarily during the 1940sand 1950s.Inthis work of art we will seea love storytold ofgiving too much to someonewho gives nothing in return. A woman desperatetofind a way out beforesomethingterrible happens.

Have youbeenhere?

Song Choice:SelfishMan: Estef

CATStudio Trainer Affiliation: Sky High Studios

KimberlyCarney

StudentAffiliation: Sky High Studios

In this Art piece,Kimbery CarneypresentsNature. Art involving nature can bedone simplyto displaythe beauty of the natural world around us, to make scientificobservationsin an environment,or to openour minds to philosophicalideas about our own connectionto nature and beyond.

What doyou seein Nature?

Song Choice:Movement: Hoizer

Simone& Skye Aerial Affiliate

In this Art piece,Mother/ Daughter duo Simone& Skye presentVincentvan Gogh. Starry Night is one of the most recognizedpiecesofart in the world. Vincentvan Gogh painted Starry Night in 1889 during his stay in France.While he sufferedfromthe occasional mental health relapseinto paranoia and fits,painting was his way forescapingand decoding whatwas happening in his mind.

How do youescape?

Song Choice:Vincent:Don McLean

AMP Academy:Athletic Movement& Parkour StudentAffiliation: AMP Academy

In this art piece AMP Academy presentsAthletes.There is a certain spark in the soul ofan athlete, a magicthat lights up a room.Theirphysical strength, speed&endurance is so inspiring. A powerthat makes us all feellike we can do anything. What inspiresyou?

Song Choice:Mr. Pinstripe Suit: Big Bad VoodooDaddy

ACT 2: The Art of Fashionand Culture

In our 2nd Collection,we will journey into the world of fashion& culture. These pieces are dedicatedtoa particular placein time,a formof self-expression.Metaphorically and physically draping ourselvesin our superpowers,walking the runway of self love,feeling the empowermentof creating preciousdancesthat so oftencontain piecesofour history that would otherwise be lost.

Hillary Rachelle CATStudio Trainer Affiliation: Sky High Studios

In this art piece Hillarypresents

Supermodels:SelfLove Self-loveis a genuine appreciationforoneself.Selflove means having a high regard foryour own well-being and happiness.Self lovemeans taking care of your own needs and not sacrificingyour wellbeing to pleaseothers. Everyday do somethingthat helps you growphysically, mentally & spiritually. When wasthe lasttime you thankedyourselffor being fierce?

Song Choice:Supermodel: Taylor Dayne

Synergy

In this piece, Synergy presents: Empowermentof Womenin Renaissance Art

Renaissanceart pieces werepaintedto demonstratethe restrictions that womenhad to face,as their appearanceswere often changedand manipulated.Forthree centuries,womenwho exhibited extraordinary artistic talent were not allowed to enteracademieswith their works, no matter how magnificentthey were.However, through their paintings, womenare now representedin a way that reflectsall body types. What doyou seein yourself-reflection?

Song Choice:Mile in these shoes:JLo

KaraWickman FashionDesigner Kara Wickman

In theseart pieces,fashion designer Kara Wickmanpresents: RobesofEmPowerment

University of RIGraduate with a degreein textiles,merchandising& design.Her firstrunway showwas Style WeekNorth East, 2011. Here she usesher designsas metaphorsformental health. Unveiling a strongerversionofself, removing what holds us back, envelopinga world with patterns that spark inspiration, surrounding ourselveswith positiveenergies& walking through life in momentsthat take our breath away. What is yourrobemadeof?

CATStudio: Student CATStudio AccelerateMarketing

CATStudio: Trainer CATStudio

In this piece, Priscilla presents: Current Events

"Wehave chosento no longerbe apologeticforour feminine power. The strength we carry within us is what drives us to be seen,to be heard. The laws of the world tell us what goessky and what falls,but the laws of the world neverstoppedus once,becausetogetherwe have superpowers. What is yoursuperpower?"

Song Choice:Superpower:Beyonce

Teira

CATStudio: Student CATStudio

In this piece, Teirapresents:BodyArt. Tattooing has long beena way of ceremonialrites and passagesin most cultures throughout the world. Bodyart is constantly being redefinedand reimagined.Enjoy this journey to a place in Teira'slife where she now feelsmore magicaland confidentin her own skin, a canvas that is now just as colorfulas her soul.

How do youdecidewhatis beautiful? Song Choice:

Dirty Pretty: Inthis moment

Priscilla

L&LKizomba24/7DanceTeam

In this art piece, L&L Kizomba 24/7 Dance Team presentsZombiza A dancestyle fromthe coastal South Africannation of Angola,Kizombais derivedfromthe word, Kimbundo, meaning party. The music and dance is derived fromsemba,with a definitePortugueseaccentusually composedoftwo partners who begin the two stepmovementsin half time to musicthat stronglyresemblesthe Latin merengue. Who haveyouchosento dance throughthislife by yourside?

Song Choice:Loyalty: Puto X

ElizabethEstrella

CATStudio: Trainer Affiliation: CATStudio Dance by Elizabeth

In this art piece Elizabeth Estrella presents

ArabianLove

As is the case for countless songs from the Arab world, this is the story of love. The title translates to "If our love is wrong," and discussesthe sentiment that if love is wrong, then the dancer doesn't want to be right.

What is your greatest love story?

Song Choice:Law Hobna Ghalta: WaelKfoury

Carmen

CATStudio: Student CATStudio

In this art piece,Carmen presents Cultural Dance: Hispanic Broadway/Music

Rita Moreno was the first Hispanic actress to win a Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 1961. GloriaEstefan helpedbring the sound of their native Cuba to the American mainstream. She has made outstanding contributions to Spanish language music. Enjoy this tale of a Hispanic woman inspiringfuture generations of their culture. Trailblazers for young womenseeing and knowing they can achieve anything.

What pieceofyourculture most inspiresyou?

Song Choice:WestSideStory/Conga Mix

ACT 3: Mental Health Awareness

In our 3rd Art Collectionletus shine our lights onto youth mental health awareness.