The Power of Community joins forces with the healing power of movement

Experts say just five minutes of dance per day can help us live longer. Really. The music, the movement, the joy … it all boosts our feeling of well-being — and they say that even watching the beauty of dance can reduce stress levels.

Nobody knows that better than Michael Nickerson-Rossi and his beautiful, talented company of dancers at Nickerson-Rossi Dance. Since 2012 they have been inspiring and entertaining the Coachella Valley with their impressive and award-winning programs, instruction and community outreach. A lifelong dancer and choreographer who turned to dance as a way to express himself, Nickerson-Rossi knows the power of movement and how it can transform a person.

"We are on a mission to engage, inspire and ignite the mind, body and senses by using dance as a language to reach multiple audiences," he says. "We currently produce professional, educational, therapeutic and community-centric dance programming to excite the arts community, provide space for — and nurturing of — new, innovative and creative programs, provide equitable access for youth to train and excel in dance and provide opportunities for under-invited communities to experience dance at a high caliber platform.

"It's my passion, and I believe the students and audience can feel our commitment."

The organization has recently moved into an impressive new studio in Palm Springs and looks forward to hosting many community events and programs in the beautiful new space.

"With our incredible new location, we plan to place the Coachella Valley on the map for being known as a mecca for dance — and to showcase our wonderful dance company and share our mission to serve our community," Nickerson-Rossi says.

The nonprofit's ability to continue this growth in our valley is due in large part to its robust support team, headed up by super volunteer and now board member Laurie Bianchin. She and her equally dedicated husband, well known Palm Springs dentist Dr. John Bianchin, discovered Nickerson-Rossi and his program early on. Laurie immediately committed her time and resources to guaranteeing the dance company would succeed and thrive in the community as well as provide important and crucial outreach to the valley.

"Nickerson-Rossi Dance brings an elevated professional dance element to Palm Springs through their dance academy and dance house, but what touches my heart are the programs that connect to the kids," Laurie says. "As a mother, I know how important it is to offer these kinds of impressive programs and outreach to young people — especially those who have experienced challenges in their lives."

The organization offers a multi-faceted dance program to the children at the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center — an especially effective outreach as dance can act as therapy for those trying to cope with a history of abuse. Laurie says it has been life-changing for her to witness this program as well as their many other youth programs in the valley.

"They award many scholarships in addition to their outreach program at the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center," Laurie says. "They collectively have worked with LAUSD and the Flourish Foundation to reach underprivileged children, just to name a few. It is an amazing outreach I am proud to be associated with — both my husband and I are thrilled to work with this talented and giving nonprofit."

She adds there are additional plans underway to continue to support our valley, and it's in her name that we award the Nickerson-Rossi Dance company this week's Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation Power of Community $1,000 grant so the nonprofit may continue its excellent work.

"Laurie and her husband have contributed so much of their time and talents to allow us to grow so quickly and accomplish so much," Nickerson-Rossi says. "They truly exemplify the best of what this community stands for, and we are very proud and grateful to receive this grant in their name."

Congratulations to all involved in this excellent and joy-filled organization dedicated to the beauty and healing power of movement.

For more information on Nickerson-Rossi Dance, or to sponsor an academy student, visit nickersonrossidance.com.

Sandie Newton is currently the host of "Desert Chat," a new half-hour lifestyle show spotlighting all the good people, events and news in the Coachella Valley, debuting in September on KESQ and Fox 11.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: The Power of Community joins forces with the healing power of movement