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MemoryMOVES® Brings Holiday Joy & The Nutcracker to Bakersfield Residents Living with Memory Loss

KDA (Kern Dance Alliance) and the Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County, Inc. (ADAKC) are proud to announce the return of the MemoryMOVESⓇ: DANCE + THERAPY program for memory-impaired clients. The organizations are gearing up to offer a program that uses Dance/Movement Therapy as a mode of creative expression and empowerment to improve cognitive function and quality of life for clients experiencing Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss.

Led by a registered Dance/Movement Therapist from the American Dance Movement Therapy Association, Elena Rezai, MemoryMOVES will be offered daily to clients from 1:00 – 2:00 or 2:30 pm on December 8 – 12 at ADAKC. Celebrating the holiday spirit, the program will feature cultural holiday and arts traditions with opportunities for caregivers to experience the technique and transformative power of Dance/Movement Therapy. The event will culminate in a final performance at the end of the session featuring Nutcracker-themed performances for the clients and caregivers to enjoy. 

The goals of MemoryMOVES are to increase cognitive function and recall, functional mobility and increase range of motion, support a mind/body connection, provide relief from depression and anxiety by increasing joy and happiness, brighten the client’s affect, and increase social interaction

Bringing back MemoryMOVES with ADAKC during the holiday season is a true gift! I can’t wait to observe our Dance/Movement Therapist, Elena, tie in the sounds and sights of Tchaikovsky's “The Nutcracker” with her curriculum to enhance the client’s cognitive function! - Andrea Hansen, KDA Executive Director

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MemoryMOVES has become a cherished tradition at ADAKC, and we are thrilled to welcome it back again this year. This program has evolved into a meaningful part of our calendar—and are deeply grateful for our ongoing partnership with Kern Dance Alliance. Regardless of age or cognitive ability, dance and music have a profound ability to reach people, awaken memory, and foster healing. That is the heart of what makes MemoryMOVES so impactful. - Tamara Baker, ADAKC Executive Director

MemoryMOVES has been generously funded by the Cynthia Lake Charitable Trust and the Arts Council of Kern County. 

MemoryMOVES Press Kit –  CLICK HERE

MemoryMOVES LOCATION – Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County – 4203 Buena Vista Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93311 

MemoryMOVES DATES – December 8 – 12, 2025 @ 1:00-2:00 or 2:30 PM

TO ENROLL in MemoryMOVES – Participants must be enrolled in the ADAKC Day Program to participate in MemoryMOVES.  For admission criteria contact Family Services at 665-8871 or email info@adakc.org to register your loved one. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION –  kerndance.org/MEMORYMOVES / email info@kerndance.org

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Jen Thompson

Vice President | Board Member

Jennifer Thompson is a proud Bakersfield native who fell in love with dance before she even started school. She grew up training under the guidance of renowned local instructor Georgia Peck, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for movement and expression. Jennifer pursed her academic education with equal enthusiasm, earning both her BA and MA in English from National University. For over 20 years, she has worked as an English teacher with the Kern High School District, where ahe has inspired generations of students with her love of literature and language. Recently, she has decided to begin a new chapter-transitioning from teaching English to teaching dance. She is thrilled to channel her passion into helping build and strengthen the fine arts program, where she can continue to inspire students through the transformative power of the arts. In addition to her work in education, Jennifer has proudly served as a board member with Kern Dance Alliance for the past four years. She loves the opportunity to bring dance to her community, spreading joy and encouraging creative expression in people of all ages. Outside of the classroom and studio, Jennifer has raised two grown children who are now pursuing their own passions-a journey that continues to inspire her both personally and professionally. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, diving into a good book, and-of course-continuing to take dance classes herself.

Marcie Hronis

President | Board Member

Marcie Hronis is a distinguished author, dedicated arts advocate, accomplished business proprietor, and renowned interview specialist who resides in the vibrant community of Bakersfield, California.

With a dance career spanning nearly two decades, Marcie honed her craft through rigorous classical ballet training under the esteemed Royal Academy of Dance, achieving the pinnacle of her dance education with a distinction in the Advanced II examination. Marcie’s artistic journey included a passion for modern dance, where her formative training was shaped by the profound influences of Lester Horton and Martha Graham.

As the proprietor of Marcie Hronis Communications, she has garnered accolades and recognition as an award-winning interview coach, serving a diverse clientele across the nation.

Marcie is a published author, having penned the highly acclaimed vegan cookbook titled “Believe it or Not” available worldwide on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Wal-Mart.

Furthermore, Marcie has assumed the esteemed position of President of Kern Dance Alliance, stepping into this role in 2023 following the legacy of Andrea Hansen. Her enduring commitment to the organization is exemplified by her role as a founding board member. Additionally, she has played a pivotal role as one of the co-creators of ADAPTIdance: DANCE + DISABILITY, Kern County’s exclusive adaptive dance program in collaboration with the League of Dreams.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Marcie shares her life with her husband, Demetri, and together, they are parents to two children. Both of their children are engaged in pursuits ranging from classical dance, singing, and piano, to the expressive world of painting.