Dance Scholars: Dance and Disability

Rudolf von Laban is considered the father of modern dance for his contributions to dance theory and movement analysis.

Susan Leigh Foster developed the concept of 'embodied knowledge' in her book 'Choreographing Empathy: Kinesthetic Learning and Disability in Dance'.

AXIS Dance Company was founded by Alice Sheppard in 1987 and is a contemporary dance company that includes dancers with and without disabilities.

Carrie Sandahl is the author of the book 'Dancing in the Dark: Disability and Dance in America', which explores the history and culture of dance and disability in the United States.

Dancing Wheels Company was founded by Bill Shannon in 1980 and is a contemporary dance company that includes dancers with and without disabilities.

Petra Kuppers developed the concept of 'crip dance' in her book 'The Disability Dance Reader: Agency, Aesthetics, and Advocacy', which explores the intersections of disability and dance.

Kinetic Light Dance Company was founded by Jerron Herman in 1997 and is a contemporary dance company that includes dancers with and without disabilities.

Brenda Dixon Gottschild is the author of the book 'Dancing on Our Own Two Feet: A History of African American Dance', which explores the history and culture of African American dance.

Liz Lerman Dance Exchange was founded by Liz Lerman in 1976 and is a contemporary dance company that includes dancers with and without disabilities.

Elizabeth Kendall developed the concept of 'danceability' in her book 'Moving Toward Life: Dance and Disability in Higher Education', which explores the intersections of dance and disability in higher education.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was founded by Judith Jamison in 1958 and is a contemporary dance company that includes dancers with and without disabilities.

Petra Kuppers is the author of the book 'The Disability Dance Reader: Agency, Aesthetics, and Advocacy', which explores the intersections of disability and dance.

Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company was founded by Bill T. Jones and Arnie Zane in 1982 and is a contemporary dance company that includes dancers with and without disabilities.

Adrienne Kaeppler developed the concept of 'inclusive dance' in her book 'Dance and Disability: A Critical Reader', which explores the intersections of dance and disability.

Bebe Miller Company was founded by Bebe Miller in 1980 and is a contemporary dance company that includes dancers with and without disabilities.