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Juan’s Mindset Method™
A Movement Philosophy for Emotional Growth, Inspired by the Legacy of Juan C. Vasquez
Movement That Heals.
Mindsets That Empower.
Juan’s Mindset Method™ is the heart of everything we do — a teaching philosophy that uses dance and movement to help children grow emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
Rooted in presence, compassion, and connection, this method teaches that personal growth doesn’t come from perfection — it comes from emotional safety and self-expression.
The Legacy of Juan C. Vasquez
Our movement began with a man who believed that empathy could change everything.
Juan C. Vasquez was more than a therapist — he was a calm, steady force for families in crisis. A child farmworker raised in Gilroy, California, he beat the odds and earned his Master's in Mental Health from UC Berkeley.
For over 35 years, he worked as a social worker for Santa Clara County, helping young people navigate the juvenile justice system and guiding families toward healing.
Before that, he was a school counselor in East San Jose — the kind who listened deeply, spoke gently, and made kids feel like they mattered.
But his most powerful work happened quietly —with me, his daughter.
I have ADD and other neurodiverse traits. Growing up, my mind raced a thousand miles an hour. My dad didn’t try to “fix” me. Instead, he’d say:
“Let’s meet in the middle.”
He helped me understand emotions — mine and others'. He taught me how to read the room, adjust my tone, and connect with people even when I felt overwhelmed.
That’s the heart of our work at JMM Dance Co.
What the Method Teaches
Presence Over Perfection
1
Children are invited to express how they feel — not just how they move. The focus shifts from flawless performance to authentic expression.
Compassion as a Teaching Tool
2
Educators meet students with empathy, curiosity, and emotional insight — understanding that behavior is communication, not misbehavior.
Movement for Self-Regulation
3
Classes help children build body awareness, emotional vocabulary, and the tools to self-regulate through mindful, joyful movement.
Growth Over Goals
4
While we celebrate progress, we prioritize the mindset shifts that matter most: confidence, creativity, collaboration, and courage.
This Is More Than Dance
Juan’s Mindset Method™ isn’t
just a framework
It’s a movement for mental wellness, belonging, and belief in every child’s potential. Together, we’re building schools, studios, and communities where emotional intelligence grows alongside creativity.
Let’s move forward — together.
