19 “There is an innate sense of humanity that happens through human movement and human touch,” says Peter DiMuro, executive director of The Dance Complex in Central Square. Peter believes in touch as a powerful tool of communica- tion and he celebrates diversity of all kinds, championing dance opportunities for people with body impairments, disabilities, and people “other-ed” by society, including immigrants, veterans and LGBTQ+ communities. These values are reflected in The Dance Complex’s diverse classes and performances. “Society throws the word ‘diversity’ around a lot. We go for the authentic definition of the word—the idea that we celebrate commonalities and differences. Here at The Dance Complex, we do that with the goal of a ‘next, deep, step,’ where together we make the art, the dance, the thing we could not make without each other,” says Peter. For all these reasons, The Dance Complex is a hallmark of the arts scene in Central Square. The organization received $17,500 from the Community Fund this year. GRANTMAKING Celebrating commonalities and differences through dance “Society throws the word ‘diversity’ around a lot. We go for the authentic definition of the word—the idea that we celebrate commonalities and differences. ” Peter DiMuro, Executive Director of The Dance Complex Living Legacies: Ramon de los Reyes at The Dance Complex Photo by Zarmik Moqtaderi Cultural Richness