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The LifeKnocks President/Founder drives the Organization/Project - Cynthia DiClaudio producer, director, lyricist, choreographer. She is also the sister of Darlene Croce. After Darlene's death Cynthia left life and was truly "knocked down". As a way to reduce her anger and emotional distress she channeled her energy into the sport of boxing and was inspired. While at Augie's Gym in South Philadelphia, Cynthia was inspired by professional boxers who introduced her to their world. "As I trained with other boxers, I envisioned the art of dance," says DiClaudio. She explains that watching a boxer's feet is much like watching the feet of a dancer; henceforth, the LifeKnocks idea was created. "It was boxing that got me up and out of bed each day when I thought I would never get-up again." During these boxing lessons Cynthia wrote the song LifeKnocks paying homage to boxing and her sister. She and her band of musicians recorded the song at Gamble and Huff International Records on the Avenue of the Arts in Philadelphia.
The Magic of the Music Video - The unique spirit of the project brought together an unlikely community of boxers and dancers. The magic of the LifeKnocks’ mindset combined more than 200 dancers from Philadelphia dance companies such as Koresh, PhilaDanco, Chosen, Sheila E, University of the Arts, High School of Creative and Performing Arts, the Rock School, Jeanne Ruddy Dance and the Rainbow Connection at the Prince Music Theatre. The boxers/trainers donated their time and expertise from Joe Hand’s Boxing Gym, Augies Boxing Gym, Joe Frazier’s Gym, Bernard Hopkins’ camp and Mike Maltepes Boxing Gym - creating The LifeKnocks Dance Ensemble. Shot in Philadelphia's Love Park this dynamic group of boxers, dancers, artesians and choreographers all collaborated on a boxing/hip-hop, one of a kind dance. The Realization of the Documentary - The theme of the music video reached a vast array of individuals who were inspired by its message. The LifeKnocks team met individuals of all ages, races, socio-economic backgrounds and circumstances that wanted to share their stories, the project became infectious. What began as a cathartic venture, began encompassing a more global meaning.   LifeKnocks depicted the hope necessary for those interviewed to find enlightenment in their everyday challenges which had knocked them down. These shared experiences resulted in 80 hours of film footage and the project took on a life of its own.  The Journey Continues… The LifeKnocks documentary is in post production. A 25 minute trailer is available to view. Our goal is to have it completed to submit to film festivals in 2010. And distribution to teaching hospitals all over the country to inspire newly diagnosed patients with auto-immune diseases as a tool for encouragement.
More Facets to the Journey - A Slogan for America - Long before the Presidential elections of 2008, LifeKnocks has been tapping into the message of rising up after a fall; so we were very pleased when we heard Vice Presidential elect, Joe Biden using in his speeches the slogan provided by his father which got him through obstacles in his life, “That life knocks you down, but you always get up and come back fighting”. And was also quoted saying ”We in OUR COUNTRY have to GET UP, GET UP AMERICA GET UP!!!”
We’re Open to What More the Journey Will Bring - Vice President Biden has appointed a new team of 25 innovative and passionate artists and leaders to the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. LifeKnocks plans to be one of the initiatives (Coming Up Taller) involved with bringing a renewed passion and enthusiasm to the arts. Through the power of human connection we can achieve many goals. The LifeKnocks Team Cynthia DiClaudio – President Le Anne Lindsay – Director of Communications Julie Shuman – Director of Outreach Bill Horton – Technical Advisor Sergio Herrero - Film Editor Ruth Paul – Director of Research and Development Craig White - Sound Engineer Gamble And Huff International Records Mike Brand - Director of Photography Joseph Grandinetti – Executive Board, Vice President Dr. Bruce Smith - Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Lupus Research and Rheumatology Dr. Kathleen Heaney - Mayo Clinic, Psychiatry Dr. Mark Lopaten - Abington Hospital, Rheumatology Ivan “Mighty” Robinson - Boxing Camp Instructor John Jannone & Kristin Fieseler - Camp Ballibay Directors Anne K. Holmes - Education Director Wilma Theater Camp Bruce Curless - Executive Director Ritz Theater Camp
LifeKnocks Organization
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LifeKnoks Founding Co-Producer - James Weiner
