Creating an inclusive world through dance – with Marisa Hamamoto
Marisa Hamamoto is the first professional dancer to be named as one of People Magazine’s "Women Changing the World." Her award-winning nonprofit and professional dance company, Infinite Flow, employs disabled and nondisabled artists with a mission to foster inclusion. Marisa is also a stroke survivor who is autistic and has PTSD.
Content note: This episode contains mentions of sexual assault, describes a stroke and recovery, and has occasional swearing.
Marisa Hamamoto is the first professional dancer to be named as one of People Magazine’s "Women Changing the World." Her award-winning nonprofit and professional dance company, Infinite Flow, employs disabled and nondisabled artists with a mission to foster inclusion. Marisa is also a stroke survivor who is autistic and has PTSD.
During this episode, you will hear Marisa talk about:
- Her lifelong passion for dancing, despite facing bias and exclusion within the dance world
- How a heartbreaking rejection by her dance school classmates inspired her to make a boldly inclusive decision, and showed her how small actions can lead to big change
- The life-changing stroke that paralyzed her for months, and the long process of healing from the physical and mental trauma that followed
- How a salsa dance performance in Japan rekindled her passion and confidence as a dancer
- Her dancing partnership with a disabled athlete that inspired her to found Infinite Flow
- How she was diagnosed with PTSD and autism as an adult – and reflecting on her life, now knowing that she’s autistic
You can also find out more about Marisa on her website MarisaHamamoto.com and connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Watch Infinite Flow Dance performances at InfiniteFlowDance.org/portfolio.
Sign up for Marisa's newsletter and the Infinite Flow newsletter.
Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.
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*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*
