The Blue Project
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A nonprofit corporation which combines neuroscience and the arts by raising awareness about traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and how that arts can aid in healing them.
My Story:
Some moments in your life change your life forever. In the fall of 2021, I was in my final year at the School of American Ballet (SAB) in New York City, a student at Columbia University, and on track to garner a contract with a professional ballet company. I suffered a severe concussion and everything I thought I knew about my life changed forever. I was forced to stop dancing and underwent a year and a half of intense post-concussive physical therapy and neuropsychological testing. Being a long-time member in the arts community and someone who wanted to turn my pain into passion, I wondered how my experience with this injury and my love for the arts could combine. Thus, The Blue Project, an organization that integrates neuroscience and the arts, was born. Through this nonprofit, I advocate for those in similar situations to the one I experienced.
Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness:
According to the CDC, around 2.5 million Americans suffer from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) annually. Concussions, although not mild by any means, are classified as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and have upwards of 1.6 million occurrences each year. Further, it's estimated that 50% of concussions go completely unreported. With staggering statistics like these, it's important that our society be educated on the signs and symptoms of traumatic brain injuries, specifically concussions, so as to remain healthy and prevent long term effects.
The Arts:
Dance
Dance has been shown to increase neuroplasticity in the brain.
Music
Musical interventions have been shown to reduce stress in concussed athletes and have a positive effect on behavioral regulation and the executive functions of individuals with TBIs.
Imagery
The construction of art, particularly self portraits helps patients with TBIs reformulate a their identity/a sense of self.
Coloring Pages:
Coloring has been shown to decrease the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in the body. Because of this, I have designed coloring pages, which are free for download, for students to use in order to decrease their stress and anxiety levels.
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In effort to remind people about the importance of the arts, the coloring pages below showcase different art forms. Click on the button below to download.
The Blue Project Podcast:
In affiliation with The Blue Project Inc., The Blue Project Podcast was created to enlighten those on the psychological mindset to overcoming adversity, defining one's dreams, and the work necessary to accomplish those dreams. In addition, The Blue Project Podcast highlights the stories of those who have experienced brain injuries. To listen, visit Spotify and Apple Podcasts or go to the Podcast page of this website.