captiv8docu
captiv8docu
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    • Home
    • About
    • Our Mission
    • Founder
    • Board of Directors
    • Educ8tors
    • Season 1 : Testimonials
    • Donate

  • Home
  • About
  • Our Mission
  • Founder
  • Board of Directors
  • Educ8tors
  • Season 1 : Testimonials
  • Donate

Captiv8docu is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that offers a FREE DANCE TRAINING PROGRAM to the marginalized in the LGBTQIA+ dance community. Ages 18-30. Rooted in inclusivity, this all-expenses-covered program provides an immersive and transformative experience, empowering the next generation of dance luminaries  to thrive, create, and inspire.

Founded by Shawnette Heard

"Beyond mere instruction, Captiv8Docu embodies a personal journey—a narrative born from my own experiences. Crafted with meticulous care, it serves as a beacon of hope, designed to empower and elevate our LGBTQIA+ dance community, paving the way for futures that rival,  or even surpass, my own."

Building Strong Foundations

This comprehensive program equips Captiv8ers with a solid foundation in all aspects of the industry, preparing them for successful, long-lasting careers. With A-list educators, participants gain invaluable skills and insights across technique, performance, choreography, and industry knowledge, ensuring growth and success in the competitive dance world.

LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly youth, face disproportionately high rates of homelessness and suicide, often due to lack of familial, societal, and institutional support.

These are the most recent statistics: (primarily U.S.-based, though trends are similar in other Western countries):

LGBTQIA+ HOMELESSNESS

Up to 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQIA+, despite LGBTQIA+ youth making up an estimated 5–10% of the total youth population. The leading causes of youth homelessness  include family rejection, abuse, or being forced out due to sexual orientation or gender identity.

LACK OF SUPPORT & IMPACT

The absence of supportive environments whether in families, schools, healthcare, or communities are directly linked to higher  rates of both homelessness and suicide among LGBTQIA+ individuals. Supportive adults and affirming systems can reduce the risk of suicide by up to 40%.

LGBTQIA+ SUICIDE RATES

LGBTQIA+  youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their non-LGBTQIA+  peers. 

In 2023, 41% of LGBTQIA+  young people seriously considered attempting suicide. This number jumps to over 50% for transgender and nonbinary youth (18-30yrs of age).

Affirming support, including access to mental health care, use of chosen names and pronouns, and safe spaces, significantly reduces suicide risk.

CURRICULUM

Dance Training

Fashion, Glam & Hygiene

Fashion, Glam & Hygiene

Captiv8docu offers dance training rooted in inclusivity and resilience, which is vital for the LGBTQIA+  community, providing both physical sustainability and emotional empowerment. Guided by educators who champion diverse bodies and identities—dancers can cultivate techniques that prioritize wellness, adaptability, and expression. Through continuous learning in areas like somatics, injury prevention, and genre versatility, LGBTQIA+  dancers can build careers that evolve with them, ensuring longevity in both their artistry and personal wellbeing.

Fashion, Glam & Hygiene

Fashion, Glam & Hygiene

Fashion, Glam & Hygiene

Fashion is more than just style—it's a voice, a statement, a celebration of who we are. Our pieces are as versatile and individual as the people who wear them. At our core beats the vibrant heart of the LGBTQIA+ community—bold, unapologetic, and proud. We don’t just follow trends; we pave the way, standing as pioneers for self-expression and authenticity. We aim to educate and elevate. 

Mental Health

Fashion, Glam & Hygiene

Business Finance

At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to the mental health and well-being of the LGBTQIA+  community. We strive to create spaces where every person feels seen, heard, and valued—exactly as they are. We understand the pain and isolation that stigma, discrimination, and marginalization can bring, and we are here to offer not only support, but solidarity. Through inclusive and affirming services, compassionate care, and a fierce dedication to equity, we work to build a world where healing is possible and thriving is within reach. Mental health is not a luxury—it is a fundamental right. And we believe that every LGBTQIA+  individual deserves to live with dignity, joy, and hope.

Business Finance

Branding & Social Media

Business Finance

Having a strong business mindset in our industry isn’t just valuable—it’s imperative. In the world of dance and entertainment, talent alone isn’t enough. Understanding how to navigate the business side is what turns passion into a sustainable career.


Within our LGBTQIA+  community, there are incredible business pioneers—individuals who’ve broken barriers, built empires, and redefined what success looks like. Their journeys inspire us and serve as a blueprint for the next generation.

At our core, we’re not just training dancers. We’re shaping future leaders, entrepreneurs, and creative changemakers. We’re committed to empowering our students with the tools, mindset, and confidence they need to not only thrive on stage—but to own the room, build their brands, and lead with purpose offstage as well.

Branding & Social Media

Branding & Social Media

Branding & Social Media

Branding and social media aren’t just trends—they're essential tools for visibility, impact, and longevity. In today’s world, having a strong sense of who you are and how you present yourself is non-negotiable. That clarity starts with solid branding skills. For members of the LGBTQIA+  community, this is even more critical. We are not just content creators—we are pioneers, storytellers, and changemakers. Our voices, our art, and our perspectives matter, and they deserve to be seen, recognized, and respected. Proper branding isn’t about fitting in; it’s about standing out in a way that’s authentic and unapologetically you. That’s why branding needs to be part of your foundation—it’s not just a strategy, it’s a form of empowerment.

Film, Camera & Acting

Branding & Social Media

Branding & Social Media

In the world of TV, film, and acting, the LGBTQIA+  community has journeyed from the margins to the mainstream—transforming from hidden figures into cultural icons who are actively reshaping the industry. We've shattered stereotypes, told our own stories on our own terms, and built careers anchored in authenticity.


But none of this progress happened by chance. It’s the result of bold voices, undeniable talent, and the strategic power of personal branding. In an industry driven by visibility, knowing who you are—and how you want to be seen—is not just important, it’s essential. Whether you're in front of the camera, behind it, or creating for the digital screen, branding isn't just a luxury. It’s survival. It’s strategy. It’s freedom.


LGBTQIA+  artists in film and television aren't just participating—we're leading. Innovating. Trailblazing. We've moved the needle of culture, opened up conversations, and created space for future generations. That’s why branding and social media are more than tools—they're part of the legacy we’re building in this industry.

Captiv8docu Foundation

13263 Ventura Blvd

Studio City, CA 91604

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