Last week, I stood on stage at the Bush Presidential Institute and danced.
A year ago, some friends encouraged me to apply for the Bush Stand-To Veterans Leadership Program, and after more nudges from my Marine brother Richard Casper, I applied—and was accepted.
I’d struggled with confidence, both personally and professionally, and was intimidated by the impressive cohort. I wasn’t sure how they’d value an artist's voice or if the program would truly be different from others I’d attended.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
From day one, we were urged to connect as people, not LinkedIn profiles. Vulnerability was encouraged, which led to genuine connections, learning, and self-reflection. The speakers, many from the White House, surprised me by emphasizing values like love, trust, care, and support—vital words in my work with the military community.
But it was the cohort that truly amazed me. Despite their impressive backgrounds, they were kind, compassionate, and committed to lifting everyone up. They constantly reminded us to think about who made our presence possible, and I reflected on my team at Exit12, as well as the veterans and champions who have supported me.
The most powerful part? They saw me. They heard me. And they encouraged me to lean into my strengths. The feedback and support after I danced my Personal Leadership Project were overwhelming.
This experience proved the world is in good hands with this cohort. If you work with the military or veteran community, I highly recommend this program and would be happy to chat if you're interested in applying. https://lnkd.in/gRr3KHEj
New piece is up.
Mayor Mamdani just cut over $1 million from the NYC Department of Veterans Services. The chair of the Veterans Advisory Board called parades and events “fluff.”
I disagree. Strongly.
When the VA is gutting personnel at the federal level and nonprofits are running dry, a city that turns its back on its veterans isn’t trimming a budget. It’s breaking a promise.
Veterans need to rally. And civilians need to stand beside us.
(Link in bio)
On Friday May 29, 2026 we return to the Intrepid Museum for our 4th annual Stories of War performance honoring Memorial Day.
This year, we are so excited to be joined by multi-award-winning singer-songwriter duo Johnny and Heidi, who have written hundreds of songs with veterans through CreatiVets. Together, we are premiering a new work about Irving Locker, a WWII Army veteran who enlisted right here in New York City, and are telling his story through music and movement.
Tickets for the show are via the RSVP link in our bio. Stay tuned for more about Jonny and Heidi and our other new works. We look forward to seeing you there! #artsandhealing #artisticcolaboration #veteransevents
Are you ready to transform war with us?
On May 29th join us as we transform a warship, veterans, music, and stories into a powerful performance full of art and healing to honor Memorial Day.
We are premiering two new works and are joined by award-winning singer songwriters Johnny and Heidi from CreatiVets.
You can’t miss it. Tickets are limited so get yours today. (Link in bio)
#dance #veteran #artandhealing #performance
This is the hardest thing I’ve posted in a while. I wrote it as honestly as I could, and I’ll be straight with you — editing it, I had to stop more than once. If you’ve ever built something that mattered and felt invisible doing it, this one’s for you. (Link in bio)
Last week, Exit12 and @strongpointtheinert brought together a group of veterans, military-connected individuals, and artists for a Creative-Op weeklong retreat.
We started each day with a movement class followed by creative tasks and meditative walks on the grounds. By the end of the week, we created a work entitled In-Trench (we’ll share more about that later).
In the process of breathing in the fresh mountain air, gazing at the stars, and with little cellular service that forced us to be present, we found ourselves creating a work that was just as much about the journey as the final outcome.
The week was about movement, choreography, and dance, but what truly shaped In-Trench lives in the moments in between: the laughter shared over a meal, the quiet conversations at the end of a long day, the vulnerability of sharing your story for the first time, the silliness from long days in the sun, unexpected friendships, and the healing that happens when people simply feel seen.
Those moments are not separate from the art. They are the art. We are so grateful for this experience and for those we shared it with ❤️
#creativeresidency #veteranartist #dance #veterans
Call for participants! Come move with us.
It’s that time again! Join us for our 8-week movement workshop series with the @intrepidmuseum
Calling for participants to join us every Monday night from 6:30pm-8:30pm on the Intrepid for some movement and creativity. Our first session is Monday April 6th (next week) and there is still time to join us.
Exit12 and the Intrepid Museum partner again for our 4th annual movement workshop and performance series in honor of Memorial Day 2026. We are looking for military members, veterans, and their families in the NYC metro area to join us for our movement workshops. Participants will receive a stipend and travel reimbursement. No prior dance experience is needed; modifications will be made to ensure all attendees can participate fully.
Over eight weeks, Exit12’s workshops will foster expression, connection, and healing through movement. These guided movement explorations investigate themes of identity, resilience, and life transitions. Partner and group exercises promote collaboration and trust building, allowing participants to reflect and share their stories. Movement created during the workshop series will be presented in a public performance at the Intrepid Museum, followed by a post-show dialogue with the audience on Friday May 29, 2026.
Learn more and register your interest at /up-next or send us a DM. #artsandhealing #nycveterans #militaryconnected #community #thingstodonyc
