1. FIREFALL REVISIONS, INCORPORATED NEW COMPANY Issue 1
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…exposing
them (forces of
human nature)
in their raw
form, and
learning to
navigate
them in life.
…illustrating
the rich
tapestry of
life and
experiences
WARMING UP AT REHEARSAL IN THIS ISSUE
Firefall ReVisions, Incorporated is a new
company, presenting revolutionary
productions, and I’m so excited to finally
tell you all about it! I realize the name
may not be an obvious choice, so let me
share that aspect of our journey with
you. Why this name? Where did it come
from? What is in a name?
Firefall, the first part of our name came
from combining the imagery of fire and
water, two opposing
forces of nature. We
love the tension
inherent in the name,
imagery of a waterfall
of fire, and harmony
when two extremes
are balanced in one.
This tension and
harmony resonates with much of my
personal body of work.
My choreography combines two
seemingly opposing forces (and
sometimes styles): dancing in that
tension and finding the harmony in
balancing them. When I create full-
length productions, they are about the
forces of (human) nature, exposing them
in their raw form, and learning to
navigate them in life. They can feel
overwhelming and satisfying all at once.
Yes, we are definitely Firefall, but also a
multi-disciplinary performing arts
company (meaning, we do more than
dance). This is a group for artists of all
types, who are looking for more
authenticity in their art. For this to be
expressed in our name, we had to look
more closely at who we are, and
who/what we are not.
We desire to communicate more than
emotion—we want our audiences to
journey with us—like they do in film and
theatre, but through multiple art forms.
Firefall ReVisions, Incorporated is a
group of dancers, painters and actors.
Each play a pivotal role in our
productions. Some shows also use
projected multimedia,
and original musical
compositions. We would
like to also incorporate
live music in others.
(continues on page 3)
501(c)(3) Application
The status of our applying for
nonprofit/tax exempt status
with the IRS.
Also, how you can support
Firefall ReVisions, Incorporated.
Page 2
A Rose By Any Other Name…
by Stephanie Riner
Something Different
Tiffany has previously
performed in Stephanie’s
productions. With a new
company to join, she relates
how Firefall ReVisions is a
different and great experience.
Page 3
Lisa shares how an
atmosphere of acceptance
and the expectation of
ownership helped her to
discover healthy growth in
both technique and artistry.
Page 4
Shifted Perspective
Firefall: My Dance Family
After making 3M’s (marrying,
Master’s degree and moving to
SC) in a month, Melissa reflects
on dancing with Firefall
ReVisions, Incorporated
and what it meant to her.
Page 2

2. FIREFALL REVISIONS, INCORPORATED NEW COMPANY | Issue 1 2
We hope
artists find a
home in
Firefall
ReVisions,
Incorporated.
Now that we have
applied, we can
accept donations
which will be tax
deductible when
the application is
approved.
Each dancer is
unique. We want
to be a company
that embraces
who and where
they are, while
moving them
forward in their
journey.
Firefall is special—I knew
that before I even had the
opportunity to join. Through the
dance community in Jacksonville, I
heard that Firefall was different
and that the founder, Stephanie, would
make me into a
better dancer
and person. I
did not
understand this
fully until I
moved away
and no longer
had Firefall,
Stephanie, and
the other
dancers as a part of my daily life.
Many of you have been asking me to
pursue establishing a nonprofit
performing arts company that could
continue producing work that affects
change in both individual lives and
society. If only it were that easy. It is a
very involved process and one that I do
not take lightly.
However, as you can tell from the
article’s title, I have good news! Many
steps have been taken towards
establishing Firefall ReVisions,
Incorporated as a nonprofit. We are a
corporation because all nonprofits in
Florida must be incorporated. The
Articles of Incorporation have been filed
and we are a registered nonprofit with
the state of Florida (since February). But
that’s not the end…
I joined Firefall back in 2014 because:
 I loved dancing,
 I needed to dance,
 I wanted to continue to improve
upon my technique as an adult
dancer, and
 I wanted a dance family.
Not many companies, studios or groups
can offer all of those things, but Firefall
ReVisions could and did.
Stephanie and I spoke several times
before I became a part of Firefall and I
was very nervous at my first rehearsal.
“…done as a group, but she made it
seem like it was a private lesson.”
I quickly learned that Stephanie was
teaching a group on an individual level.
She gave special instructions and
corrections for each of the dancers.
Taking class, learning choreography,
and growing as a dancer was all done as
a group, but she made it seem like it was
a private lesson. After every rehearsal I
was sore, a good kind of sore.
Our Articles and Bylaws were
reviewed by a corporate
lawyer. He has experienced
past productions of mine. He
felt so strongly that this needed
to continue and become
available to the public that he
has offered his services pro-bono, as
we work towards nonprofit status.
The next steps in becoming a tax
exempt, nonprofit were to form a Board,
adopt Bylaws and apply with the IRS.
The type of nonprofit that Firefall
ReVisions, Incorporated would be
classified under is a 501(c)(3). At our
board meeting in June, we adopted the
Bylaws then sent off our application for
501(c)(3) status.
WHAT’S THE BENEFIT?? This status
opens many doors for grants and public
funding. Once we have our 501(c)(3)
application approved, donations are tax
deductible. Anything purchased for
Firefall Revisions, Incorporated would
also be exempt from taxes.
On days when I could not give it my all
because of past injuries, I felt safe to
give my heart, and to remove myself
from my head. This
was easier said than
done.
When I joined I
wanted to truly
escape and enjoy
dancing, that was my
goal. Stephanie knew
my goal and would push me to find that
place of freedom every rehearsal. That is
what makes Firefall different.
“I felt safe to give my heart”
Firefall is a safe place, where after every
rehearsal or class you feel as if you have
grown as a dancer and as a person. I'm
so blessed to have been a part of Firefall
and to have found my dance family.
Melissa—we miss you and wish you and
Ryan the best in South Carolina! We hope
you find a Carolina dance family, too!!
PLUS, many
performance venues
offer up to 50%
discounts to
nonprofits. A 501(c)(3)
also makes it easier
for us to collaborate
with other artists and
nonprofits.
This status helps us raise funds and keep
costs down so we can create amazing
productions and make them accessible
for everyone!
WHEN WILL YOU KNOW? Applications
are typically answered within 90 days. It
depends on the backlog of applications
with the IRS. Since we are not a large
corporation, it should be answered fairly
soon.
CAN I DONATE NOW? Of course you
can!  All donations are only tax
deductible if the status is approved. The
status is retroactive to the application
date. So let us know if you are ready!
Firefall:
My Dance
Family
by Melissa Kastner-Guffey
501(c)(3)
Application
by Stephanie Riner

3. FIREFALL REVISIONS, INCORPORATED NEW COMPANY | Issue 1 3
by Tiffany Riner
Warm-up and
class benefits:
 Strengthened
Technique
 Team Building
 Prevent Injuries
There is
something
for both the
secular and
the sacred.
Beginning with
the same warm-
up, enables
dancers to
improve, and
gives them a
chance to check
in with their
body, before
rehearsing.
We want our
audiences to
journey with us
…illustrating
the rich tapestry
of life and
experiences…
Multiple art
forms…
multilayered
productions…
point of
connection…
…an experience for the heart,
soul, spirit and mind.
…new vision
and hope…
The major thing that
stands out to me,
separating Firefall
ReVisions from other
companies is its fluidity. It is
constantly changing,
transforming, and, yes,
revising. There is
no set way things
must be done. The
needs of the artists involved and
projects determine the approach.
The one defining aspect is that its
dancers, visual artists and musicians
come together for a common purpose.
Depending on the
project, Firefall can
produce a full-length
production geared
towards an everyday
audience and the very
next day take part in
a prophetic worship
service. As a choreographer, Stephanie
has infused many music styles and
dance techniques, along with dancers of
different backgrounds, to create a truly
unique experience every time.
A Rose By Any Other Name (cont’d.)
The dancers themselves are not just
dancers. They are asked to be
transparent, vulnerable and genuine
in their interpretation of the emotions,
topics and stories. Some have even
shared their stories,
trusting they would
be honored and not
exploited in the
process. This is
another level of authenticity in their art
and the audiences respond to the
dancers’ selfless giving in each piece.
We are a company of artists, illustrating
the rich tapestry of life and experiences
in our society. We offer audiences a new
way of looking at themselves and their
experiences. We are not just a
performance for them to passively
As a dancer,
I feel valued in the
group, which is
not something to
be taken lightly.
There is never a
pressure to
perform or compete. We all have
areas of strengths and areas
that we are working on and it
is okay.
“…I could feel the stress
and weight lifted.”
There were times this past year where
I've been really busy and dancing was
the last thing I wanted to do, but once I
got to the studio and we began praying
for one another or warming up, I could
feel the stress and weight lifted. Dancing
with Stephanie and Firefall has definitely
stretched me, as a dancer and as a
person.
“My technique, specifically my
alignment, has shown improvement
over the past year.”
As a dance teacher, rehearsing with
Firefall ReVisions has helped me to
watch. We incorporate
multiple art forms and
weave them into
multilayered productions,
aimed at offering a point
of connection for each person present.
The productions are an experience for
the heart, soul, spirit and mind.
So, how do you put that in a name? We
had to find a name that would accurately
reflect who we are, and allow space for
us to continue to grow and develop
our identity. It was from this
exploration of who we are, how we
communicate and what we produce,
that our full name was found:
Firefall ReVisions, Incorporated
Art Changing Experiences
remember what it is like to learn
choreography quickly, take corrections,
and sometimes get frustrated with a
choreographer.  It is a shift in
perspective that has helped me relate to
my students more and be a better
teacher.
“…stretched me as a dancer
and as a person.”
My technique, specifically my alignment,
has shown improvement over the past
year. This comes
from making the
time to take class
and not just
instructing all the
time. Also,
teachers that do
not take class
regularly cannot
sharpen their skills
and usually injure
themselves easily.
“I feel valued… never a pressure
to perform or compete.”
I'm thankful for the opportunity to get to
dance with people my own age and the
way they pour themselves into me. This
truly is a great experience.
We revise how people
see the arts: working
together, as relevant
to their lives, as
accessible and
understandable. We
revise how people
view their lives and society. We give
them permission to see themselves and
their potential differently. We offer the
chance at new vision and hope for
something more/different/better/new in
our lives and our world.
Experiencing a production
and choosing to journey with
us, people can change their
view of their past experiences and revise
their outlook for the future.
Thank you for choosing to be a part of
this journey with us, a new company,
one with “Art Changing Experiences”!
Something Different

4. FIREFALL REVISIONS, INCORPORATED NEW COMPANY | Issue 1 4
Industry reports:
 67- 95% annual injury rate
for professional dancers
 <50% of injuries are treated
by physicians
 45% continue dancing
against doctors’ advice
Firefall ReVisions seeks to model accepting “where one’s
body is today”—then working from that place. We must
learn to listen to and respect our bodies.
Directors create
the environment
of the company.
It is always safe
to try, fail,
explore and grow
in rehearsal!
Firefall artists
learn to own
their growth,
which includes
celebrating
victories. We
celebrate you!
Director’s Corner by Stephanie Riner
Thank you everyone for all of your encouragement as we have been putting this company together. Kudos to
the dancers for all their work, and writing an article! Please know that there is MUCH MORE to do, so do
not hesitate to let us know HOW you want to help!  Here’s a list of ideas to help get you started:
♥Donate Money, Services and/or Gifts-in-kind ♥Join the Board of Directors or Volunteer
♥Sponsor a dancer, a production, a dance (costume), a painting/supplies, etc.
♥Web services, Graphic Design, Promotion, Videography, Advertising, etc.
♥Spread the word!! Let us know of potential artists that would be a fit for Firefall ReVisions, Incorporated,
or venues that would like to have us come. (If we’re nearby, host us for a night or 2.)
♥Pray for us as we lay the groundwork for this new company! Wisdom, grace & the right connections!
♥Give us encouragement and feedback as we go! We want to hear from you!!
In my experience as a dancer,
class and rehearsal have been a
time to put your best foot forward:
 show off your skill,
 hope your weaknesses don't get
you called out, and
 trytofixasmanymistakesaspossible.
However, my experience in class and
rehearsal with Firefall has shifted my
perspective. The environment created
during our rehearsal times has been one
of comfort and challenge, which results
in more growth.
I was recovering from an ankle injury
when Firefall ReVisions began weekly
rehearsals this
past fall. Though
I was medically
cleared to begin
dancing again, I
was frustrated
by my
limitations. My
injury also
brought new
awareness of gaps and weaknesses in
other areas of my dance training.
As Artistic Director, teacher, and
choreographer, Stephanie was aware of
all my "issues" coming in. In rehearsal she
didn't baby me by allowing me to make
excuses, nor did she
push me too farby
disregardingmy
limitations. She
would ask foran
assessment of my body's condition
beforeandafterrehearsal.
Stephanie let me
set my own boundaries, while
providing suggested
modifications,
if I couldn't achieve something.
She accepted where my body was
that day and worked from there.
As I recovered from my injury, accepting
"where my body was that day" became
less about limitations and more about
the gaps and weaknesses in my training.
Once they were known, they
could be addressed.
“…safe place…to improve…
not worry about hiding…”
As Stephanie accepted both the
strengths and weaknesses of
each of us in the group, I became
comfortable enough
to accept those things
about myself and my fellow
dancers. Rehearsal became a
safe place, where I could work
to improve from where I was
and not have to worry about
hiding my shortcomings.
With the comfort of acceptance, I could
rise to the challenge of expectation, the
second component to my improvement.
Stephanie expects us to take ownership
of our dancing and the feedback given—
owning both what
we need to work on
AND what we have
achieved. When
frustrated, we are
reminded of our
accomplishments.
When we lack
energy, our goals
are placed before us. I can count on the
other dancers to hold me accountable
and encourage me.
In my dance experience, being
comfortable because I know that I am
accepted while still being challenged, is a
completely unique combination. This
fusion afforded me the mental and
emotional space to experience
healthy growth in both my
technique and artistry.
I am grateful for this distinctive
balance in our rehearsal
environment and the resulting
mental and emotional shifts in
my approach to the growth
process.
FirefallReVisions@gmail.com
Shifted Perspective
by Lisa Pellittiere