About Mark

All material posted or shared on this account was for educational purposes for Mark's Communications 119 course at William Paterson University.

Now the page will become Mark's official blog for all things regarding the field of communication.

Mark Travis Rivera is a graduate of Rosa L. Parks School of Fine and Performing Arts in Paterson, NJ where he majored in Communications and minored in Dance. As a writer, Mark has been published various times, both for his poetry and journalistic writing. He was published in Creative Communications for his essay, “Overcoming Depression Through The Writing Expression” and his poem, “In The Distance: In Memory Of…” and “Soar” have been published in Anthology of Poetry.

Mark's writing has been published in The Record, The Herald, and The Star Ledger for his journalistic writing. As a dancer, Mark has trained under the direction of Erin Pride, where he studied modern, jazz, contemporary, and African dance. He also studies ballet with Elizabeth Matejka-Grossman.

Mark is also the Artistic Director of marked dance project, a dance company for both disabled and non-disabled dancers. Founded in March of 2009. He was inspired to start MDP because he was born with a mild case of Cerebral Palsy, which affects his motor skills. As a choreographer, Mark made his debut at Rutgers University in Show Up and Dance, sponsored by Dance NJ where his duet “Pointless Love” was performed. His work has also been seen at Silk City Summer Arts Festival in Paterson, NJ., The Painted Bride Center in Philadelphia, PA. Mark has had the pleasure of working with choreographers from the Tri-State area. He has worked with Maureen Glennon of moe-tion dance theater and Caitlin Trainor of Trainor Dance, Marianne Delehanty of MarDelDance, just to name a few.

Mark danced for the Freespace Dance Junior Company where he performed at the Montclair Art Museum and Montclair State University. In April of 2010, Mark worked with The GIMP Project, as an Apprentice dancer for Heidi Latsky, a dance company based in New York City for disabled and non-disabled dancers.

Mark is Head of Communication for Silk City Arts Festival, a non-profit organization which aims to revive the arts in the inner-cities. In 2009, Mark was awarded Paterson Youth Guidance Council “Students That Made A Difference”, for all of his hard work. As an artist, Mark hopes to continue to break barriers and be a great example for disabled artists.

Currently, Mark attends William Paterson University, where he is double majoring in Communication, with a concentration in Print Journalism/Public Relations and Women's & Gender Studies. He was recently award the "Dean of Students Award for the Freshmen Class" for his outstanding leadership, involvement, service to the university and community and outstanding grade-point average.

ITALY

Voglio esplorare Roma e tutta la bellezza Italia deve offrire. Le manifestazioni di cui sopra della foto la bellezza e l’arte hanno trovato nel paese. Ho sognato sempre di andare ad Europa e di avvertire la cultura. Prima che muoia, progetto sul visualizzare l’Italia, possibile dopo la laurea dall’università di William Paterson.

(DISCLAIMER Translation: The grammar of the Italian language may NOT be 100% accurate.)

Translation: I want to explore Rome, and all the beauty Italy has to offer. The photo above shows the beauty and the art found in the country. I have always dreamt of going to Europe and experiencing the culture. Before I die, I plan on visiting Italy, possible after graduating from William Paterson University.

marked.

Keep your mark on current news and social issues

1 out of 3 places I’d like to visit before I die…