Center for Modern Dance Education
84 Euclid Avenue, Hackensack
Phone: 201-342-2989; Fax 201-342-2989
E-mail: cmde1962@aol.com
April 18, 2005 – For Immediate Release
Mayor Zisa Visits
Center for Modern Dance Education
& Awards Proclamation To Teaching Artist
Hackensack Mayor Jack Zisa visited the non-profit Center for Modern Dance Education (CMDE) on Sunday, April 17, 2005, and awarded a special Proclamation of Service to CMDE Teaching Artist Frances Herdman in recognition of 15 years of service to the community. The award ceremony took place before a concert by CMDE's unique "Moving Experience Dance Company" for teens and young adults with disabilities, and CMDE's Musical Theater class.
Frances Herdman was recognized for the following achievements while on staff at CMDE, as stated in the Proclamation that was read by the Mayor.
Proclamation of Service
Congratulations to Frances ("Sahda") Herdman for fifteen years of outstanding association with the non-profit Center for Modern Dance Education (CMDE)!
During her time at CMDE, Fran has taught creative movement classes for children, teens, and adults with disabilities, including people who use wheelchairs. Some of her students with disabilities live independently or with their families, while others come from local residential facilities to study with her. In 1999, Fran founded CMDE's "Moving Experience Dance Company" (MEDC) for teens and young adults with disabilities, and she continues to teach and choreograph for the MEDC. For many years she also ran social dance parties for adults with disabilities who live independently.
Fran also teaches two Middle Eastern Dance ("Belly Dance") classes at CMDE, to students of varied ages and ability levels. For many years, Fran welcomed a group of students from the National Association for the Advancement of Fat Acceptance into her class, helping to make Middle Eastern dance accessible to large-bodied women. Under the name of "Sahda," Fran is the Founder/Director of the Mirage II Middle Eastern Dance Troupe, also based out of CMDE. Fran and her dancers have presented a number of benefit concerts over the years, to help support non-profit organizations in the area.
Fran has for many years also taught dance outreach classes in pre-schools, senior centers, and other community venues in Bergen County, and teaches terminally ill patients at Hackensack Medical Center through the "Tomorrow's Children" program.
