Creating an inclusive world through dance – with Marisa Hamamoto

Creating an inclusive world through dance – with Marisa Hamamoto

Author: Carolyn Kiel October 16, 2023 Duration: 58:24

Content note: This episode contains mentions of sexual assault, describes a stroke and recovery, and has occasional swearing.

Marisa Hamamoto is the first professional dancer to be named as one of People Magazine's "Women Changing the World." Her award-winning nonprofit and professional dance company, Infinite Flow, employs disabled and nondisabled artists with a mission to foster inclusion. Marisa is also a stroke survivor who is autistic and has PTSD.

During this episode, you will hear Marisa talk about:

  • Her lifelong passion for dancing, despite facing bias and exclusion within the dance world
  • How a heartbreaking rejection by her dance school classmates inspired her to make a boldly inclusive decision, and showed her how small actions can lead to big change
  • The life-changing stroke that paralyzed her for months, and the long process of healing from the physical and mental trauma that followed
  • How a salsa dance performance in Japan rekindled her passion and confidence as a dancer
  • Her dancing partnership with a disabled athlete that inspired her to found Infinite Flow
  • How she was diagnosed with PTSD and autism as an adult – and reflecting on her life, now knowing that she's autistic

You can also find out more about Marisa on her website MarisaHamamoto.com and connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Watch Infinite Flow Dance performances at InfiniteFlowDance.org/portfolio.

Sign up for Marisa's newsletter and the Infinite Flow newsletter.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes.

Support or sponsor this podcast at  BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*


Hosted by Carolyn Kiel, Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people moves past the snap judgments that so often define how neurodivergent people are perceived. Each conversation here is an invitation to listen deeply, exploring the nuanced realities of entrepreneurs, artists, advocates, and other neurodivergent individuals as they share their own experiences in their own words. You’ll hear personal accounts that challenge stereotypes, not through abstract arguments, but through the vivid details of lived experience-the unique pathways to creativity, the challenges navigated in work and relationships, and the personal definitions of success and well-being. This podcast creates a space where identity is explored with authenticity, highlighting the strengths and perspectives that arise from thinking differently. Tuning in means connecting with stories that are as diverse and dynamic as the neurodivergent community itself, offering genuine insight into mental health, societal norms, and the richness of human cognition. Carolyn guides these discussions with a focus on depth and connection, ensuring every episode goes far beneath the surface to celebrate the vibrance of neurodiversity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Podcast Episodes
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) – with Jessica Birch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:01
Jessica Birch is a national advocate and speaker living on the South East Coast of Australia. Since her late diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) at the age of 33, she has turned her attention to awareness…
Adin Boyer - American Idol, autism and anti-bullying advocacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:02
Diagnosed with autism at age 2, Adin Boyer grew up struggling with being bullied, making friends and accepting himself. He finally began to flourish while attending a performing arts middle and high school, when he faced…
2024 year-end episode [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:40
In this year-end solo episode, I celebrate some big milestones that Beyond 6 Seconds achieved in 2024. I also share my views on how major politicized social issues impact the disability community, some actions we can tak…
Inclusive education and Down syndrome advocacy – with Sheri Brynard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:19
Content warning: This episode discusses forced sterilization / removal of reproductive rights. Shéri Brynard is the only person with Down syndrome in South Africa with a tertiary education diploma in Educare. She achieve…
Fighting stigma about schizophrenia - with Michelle Hammer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:06
Content warning: This episode discusses suicidality, paranoia, hallucinations and delusions, and mentions drug use and homelessness. Michelle Hammer is a schizophrenia activist who spends her time passionately fighting s…
Work experience in an autism employment program -- with Jack Pabich [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:08
Jack Pabich is a Quality Assurance Support Analyst who found his current job through an autism employment program run by CAI Neurodiverse Solutions. He is responsible for processing requests of potential conflicts of int…
Epilepsy advocacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:14
Amee is a dedicated health care provider known for her expertise and compassionate care. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a passionate mental health advocate and openly shares her personal journey living with…
Autistic-led autism research - with Dr. Kana Grace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:17
Dr. Kana Grace is a research psychologist, advocate, Specialist Mentor, and educator, specializing in the mental and physical health of neurodivergent people. Currently, Kana is an Honorary Research Fellow at the Centre…