dance generators fellowship

The Dance Generators Fellow position is a unique role for University of San Francisco Gerontology students to engage with themes of aging, health, and related care through the lens of community engaged dance practices. Fellows earn college credits by collaborating with Liv Schaffer, Dance Generators Director and USF Professor in Performing Arts & Social Justice, on administrative, marketing, research, development, events management and creative tasks that support Dance Generators sustainability and evolution. Fellows are encouraged to bring their curiosities and special interests to the role, as it allows for tailoring areas of focus to student areas of interest as they intersect with Dance Generators needs.

If you are interested in a Dance Generators Fellowship, contact Liv for more information.

Below are photos and testimonials from previous Dance Generators Fellows.

Toni

Bachelors of Science in Nursing, Class of 2022

“Working with Dance Generators has encouraged me to be mindful of how and where my body carries stress and emotion that builds throughout the week. Participating in the movement sessions is an incredibly fun way to disconnect from the anxieties of everyday life and find release.”

rendhelmorr

Bachelors of Science in Nursing, Class of 2023

"I understand that the world is divided into various populations and it is obvious to see that there is drastic separation of older adults from the rest of society. I have witnessed them become victims of stereotypes from my experiences at hospitals and even in regular, friendly neighborhoods. After becoming part of the Dance Generators Company team, I was able to explore new ways to combat ageism and strengthen inclusivity across ages. From being the company photographer, I have witnessed Dance Generators style of collaboration to tell stories, share emotions, emit imaginations, and uplift spirits across the lifespan. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity to have worked with the Dance Generators and know that I will continue to do my part in the fight against ageism moving forward."

arielle

Bachelors of Science in Nursing, Class of 2023

“I really enjoyed my role as the Social Media Manager for the company because I got to capture the meaningful moments and share them with others. The role allowed me to increase Dance Generators audiences and advocate for reducing age based stereotypes. I was inspired to work with the older adult population after my experience working at a senior nursing home, where I was responsible for communication and trust building with residents. Dance Generators has helped expand my knowledge on how trust and communication can be achieved through even more ways; movement. I learned how to communicate through words, touch, or even silence. Dance Generators has allowed me to form deeper connections with elders and see dance in a new light. One specific relationship I had never thought I would develop was a friendship with Sondra, one of the new older adults. Her passion for dance and life has shown me that life is a gift and that we should enjoy every second of it. Furthermore, I am thankful for being someone she can rely on for things like tech help and updates in regard to performances and rehearsals. As a future nurse, I hope to take the values that Dance Generators has taught me into my career and always remember that forming connections goes beyond age.”

julia

Bachelors of Science in Nursing, Class of 2023

“This experience has shown me how to be less shy in a room filled with people I don’t know and use movement as a way to connect with strangers. Moreover, it has allowed me to take on roles I never thought I would be doing such as managing the website, designing posters, and handling business tasks. I will never forget this experience and feel it has made my time at USF more rich in friendship.”

Natalie

Bachelors of Science in Nursing, Class of 2024

“Regardless of your age, dance is highly adaptable, thus can be made more advanced or simplified to fit each person’s individual abilities. We are surrounded by people who are kind and caring — helping to build a bridge between different generations is a dance of its own: adaptable, individual, welcoming. As I prepare to go into the world of caring for others in their most vulnerable times of life, I hope to take with me a skill for connection that can be made anywhere regardless of age and abilities, as long as everyone tries their best and supports one another.”