Dance and Disability: History and Evolution

The first known dance performance by a person with a disability took place in the 1950s, when Alwin Nikolais and Murray Louis founded the Nikolais-Louis Dance Company, which included dancers with and without disabilities.

The National Dance Institute was the first dance company to be founded specifically for dancers with disabilities, established in 1976 by Jean Erdman and Bill Douglas.

Modern dance has been particularly influential in the development of dance and disability, as it emphasizes the expression of individual identity and experience, and allows for a wide range of movement possibilities.

Adaptive dance is the term used to describe the practice of adapting dance techniques and choreography to make them accessible to dancers with disabilities.

Liz Lerman is a dancer and choreographer known for her work in developing dance as a form of therapy for individuals with disabilities, founding the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange in 1976.

The International Festival of Dance and Disability is an annual festival that celebrates dance and disability, showcasing the work of dancers and choreographers with disabilities from around the world.

The AXIS Dance Company is known for its work in creating dance performances that are specifically designed for audiences with disabilities, using innovative techniques to make dance accessible to all.

Dance activism is the term used to describe the practice of using dance to promote social change and advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Aimee Mullins is a dancer and choreographer known for her work in using dance to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion for individuals with disabilities, performing on prosthetic legs and advocating for disability rights.

The International Association of Dance Medicine and Science is an organization that works to promote dance and disability through education, advocacy, and research.

Hip hop dance has been particularly influential in the development of inclusive dance, as it emphasizes individual expression and creativity, and allows for a wide range of movement possibilities.

Dance therapy is the term used to describe the practice of using dance to promote physical and mental well-being for individuals with disabilities.

Simone Forti is a dancer and choreographer known for her work in using dance to explore the experiences of individuals with disabilities, creating performances that challenge traditional notions of dance and representation.

The International Conference on Dance and Disability is an annual conference that brings together dance professionals, educators, and researchers in the field of dance and disability, providing a platform for sharing research, best practices, and innovative approaches.

The Dance for PD® company is known for its work in creating dance performances that are specifically designed for audiences with visual impairments, using innovative techniques to make dance accessible to all.