ROSENDALE – Spanning from coast to coast across the United States one state after another has experienced cutbacks on many specific types of rehabilitation for incarcerated individuals due to a lack of funding.

However, in our own locale, there is one rehab program, a bit "out of the box" so to speak, that's provided incredible results. And it's said to be, possibly, the only one of its type around the globe.

So what is this successful, yet unconventional program? Rehabilitation through the Arts (RTA) founded and directed by Katherine Vockins in 1996 in Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining.

This ground-breaking program now operates in five men's and women's, maximum and medium security New York State prisons and is also the lead program of Prison Communities International, a non-profit organization. RTA provides creative arts workshops in theatre. Plus inmates learn dance, movement, visual arts, voice, poetry and playwriting that offshoot to workshops and full-scale productions.

Enter New Paltz resident Susan Slotnick.

With a degree from SUNY New Paltz in Arts Education, and after decades of teaching touring dance groups, choreographer and director of youth dance company FiguresinFlight, Slotnick sought the need for a different kind of work, something that not only inspired, but was appreciated.

She found what she was looking for with the idea of a dance program for prisoners., believing that a program of dance would benefit inmates both emotionally and physically. She commenced calling correctional facilities pitching her idea — although, at times, those contacted thought the idea "laughable." However, a Highland juvenile correctional facility found Slotnick's initiative appealing and it was most successful for five years until funding cuts ended the program. But one door closed and another opened as the passionate Slotnick met Vockins of RTA and convinced the RTA director that the Woodbourne Men's Correctional Facility, a New York State medium security prison, would be a good fit.

And, it was — and still is. Slotnick feels that many of the men come from environments where dance is a major part of their culture and use the movement as an expression. Her classes were well-attended from the start; however Slotnick said it took time to gain the men's trust — and she earned it by continually coming back, week after week.

So, for the past five years, Slotnick has, unfailingly, walked through prison doors to conduct a successful modern dance program — the only program of its kind nationwide. All the RTA activities help prisoners develop communication skills, collaboration, and goal and problem solving. Even in the harsh environment of prison life, the men at Woodbourne develop the ability for outward expression, trust, and camaraderie.

In March, 2011 Slotnick was recognized in the Huffington Post as one of the "Greatest Women of the Day" in recognition of Women's History Month and, most recently, was written up in Dance Magazine. Besides being honored by the recognition, Slotnick explained the reason this program works so well: "They need to express emotions through their bodies rather than words and I did this beautiful piece where the prisoners reenacted their street crimes in slow motion."

Now all will have the opportunity to a one-time only screening of the long-awaited documentary "Our Reflection of our Lives Through Dance" at The Rosendale Theatre on May 7 at 7 p.m. The film was written by the program participants and directed by RTA volunteer Arin Arbus (recently cited in the New York Times as America's most important up-and-coming director).

In addition there will be a live stage performance featuring two, now-free men that participated in the prison's dance program, and a live performance by members of the Figuresinflight Youth Company performing inspirational dances to music such as "Amazing Grace" choreographed and directed by Ulster County residents Slotnick and assistant director Bethany Wootan. The event will also feature a Q&A session with the film's editor, Sky Gewant, Susan Slotnick and Bethany Wootan and former participants in the dance program. This gala and inspiring event will be followed by a light fare reception at Canaltowne Alley behind the theatre.

Tickets are only $10 and proceeds will benefit RTA & The FIF Dance Company. For more information call Michael at 845-943-8633 or Susan at 845-255-6759.