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

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.

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November 1, 2010

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

One of my Native countries, PUERTO RICO.

Esto está realmente triste, pero nunca he estado a Puerto Rico. Aunque sea hispánico, estoy en desacuerdo con mi cultura. Quiero explorar las islas, abrazo el océano, y coma la mi comida del país nativo. Antes de que muera, tengo que visitar la isla en donde tanto de los mis antecedentes familiares se sostiene.

English Translation: (DISCLAIMER: the grammar of the above text may not be 100% accurate.) This is really sad, but I have never been to Puerto Rico. Although I am Hispanic, I am out of tune with my culture. I want to explore the islands, embrace the ocean and eat my native country’s food. Before I die, I have to visit the island where so much of my family’s history is held.

marked.

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