Bija Beat Is The Answer. Here Are The Questions.

For the past four years, I have dedicated myself to changing the trajectory of thousands of children’s lives in a totally disenfranchised part of Denver, Colorado through my non-profit organization Celebrate The Beat (CTB).

What problem am I solving?

In 2012 CTB was contracted by Adams 14 District to be a partner in turning around the district’s failing schools. Since then, our programming has won the hearts and minds of the children, the parents, the principals and the classroom teachers. Despite the challenges, we were able to create a healthy and wonderful collaboration.

Recently, however, CTB’s funding was slashed because of internal strife within the district. It is worth noting that 95% of the students in the district are Latino and 95% receive a free lunch. Though our partnerships with the schools remain strong and heartening, we cannot continue our efforts without financial support.

Thankfully, we received a grant from the Colorado Health Foundation (CHF) for after-school and summer programming. We are immensely grateful that the Foundation wants to see us grow our partnerships and build on the positive changes we’ve set into motion, but we still need additional support to fully capitalize on this work.

Why am I working so hard?

Though the Adams 14 District funding cut was frustrating and disappointing, I am using my fury to propel CTB forward through positive action. Thus Bija Beat classes were born. Aimed at adults seeking a fun and challenging dance workout, these bi-monthly classes will raise awareness and funding for the wildly important work of CTB.

I see a gap in the fitness/wellness space for programming that invokes our sense of community. Programming that asks more of us than just to lose weight or get centered or feel good (though all those things are extremely important, too). Programming that allows you to do good for others while helping you look and feel good for yourself.

Why now?

We are living in an era of ego and self-obsession and its negative effects touch all aspects of humanity and our planet. How can we tip the balance toward becoming a society that shows care for all? It begins with our own daily choices and actions.

By creating a unique arena within a field that can often seem superficial and selfish, Bija Beat’s focus on art and positive solutions motivates me to keep working. When I feel frustrated by how hard it is to gain momentum, I think of the children we are working with in Colorado — some of whom have incarcerated parents; some of whom, though extremely overweight, come to us starving; some of whom live in single room homes with 14 other people.

What next?

I want to continue to be part of the big solution by using my talent, time, energy, passion, resources, and creativity to help all of us help children in need by giving them the life-altering experience of literally celebrating the beat.

This is what I have set out to accomplish. I hope you’ll join me.

Keep dancing,

Tracy Straus & the Bija Beat Family

Visit: ctbeat.org and bijabeat.com