Srna Klotz’s dance journey starts in the late 90s in the heart of Skopje, Republic of Macedonia a country grappling with social, political, and economic challenges. Raised by her single mother, Srna against all odds was fortunate to have access to extensive dance and music education—a rare luxury in a nation burdened by financial constraints but sadly even bigger luxury in the USA in 2024. For a mere $35 per half-year, Srna enjoyed five days of ballet accompanied by live piano, two days of flute, and two days of solfeggio. Remarkably, the $35were waived for a single parents like her mother, this education was entirely free—a testament to the value placed on arts education in her homeland.
For Srna and her mother, dance and music were more than just pastimes; they were lifelines in a childhood marred by domestic and verbal abuse. In the sanctuary of the dance studio or music room, they found solace, escape, and a means of expression. These creative outlets became their refuge, allowing them to breathe freely amidst the chaos of their home life.
Upon moving to the United States, Srna was confronted with the stark reality of the exorbitant cost of dance education. In a country where the average dance class cost $25, not to mention additional expenses like dancewear and costumes, the barriers seemed insurmountable. Reflecting on her own experiences and the transformative power of art, Srna recognized the urgent need to find a way to make dance accessible to all, regardless of their circumstances.
In 2016, Srna began volunteering with S.H.E. Inspire, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young African American girls through dance, mentorship, music and poetry. Witnessing the impact of her work, Srna was inspired to take further action. In 2018, she created “Through the Artist Eye,” a multimedia show that showcased the therapeutic and transformative power of art, shedding light on the lack of art community centers in the Atlantic City Area and the alarming rates of overdose among young adults.
Learning more and more about the therapeutic potential of dance, in 2019 Srna organized volunteering dance therapy classes in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association. Witnessing the profound impact of movement and music on individuals affected by diseases, Srna solidified her commitment to using dance as a form of therapy.
In August 2023, Srna founded Ô’tänamos, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free arts education to underserved children, orphanages and foster homes as well as individuals affected by diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cancer, as well as veterans battling PTSD, anger management and homelessness.
Through Ô’tänamos, Srna aims to not only provide free education but also honor artists’ dedication and discipline by ensuring they receive fair compensation for their work. As Srna looks to the future, she remains committed to supporting artists and providing a platform for their work through Ô’tänamos. Through her own experiences, she understands the importance of addressing the financial barriers that can hinder creativity and expression. By providing a respectable price for every artist collaborated with, Srna hopes to support the years of dedication and discipline invested in their craft, ensuring that financial concerns never stand in the way of artistic innovation and collaboration.
