Dance and Disability: Dance and Diversity

Inclusive dance is a term used to describe the practice of creating dance works that are accessible to and inclusive of people with disabilities. It involves adapting dance techniques, choreography, and performance spaces to accommodate the needs of dancers with disabilities.

Dancers with disabilities often face a range of challenges, including lack of access to dance classes and training, negative attitudes and stereotypes, and limited opportunities for performance. These challenges can make it difficult for dancers with disabilities to pursue their passion for dance.

Kinetic Light is a dance company founded by Alice Sheppard, a dancer with Down syndrome. The company creates and performs dance works that celebrate the diversity of human movement and challenge stereotypes about disability.

Deaf Nation is a dance work created by the AXIS Dance Company that incorporates sign language. The piece explores the experiences of deaf people and challenges stereotypes about deafness.

Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company is a dance company founded by Bill T. Jones, a dancer and choreographer who is HIV-positive. The company creates and performs dance works that explore social and political issues, including the AIDS crisis.

Crip Camp is a documentary film that explores the relationship between disability and identity. The film follows a group of disabled teenagers who attend a summer camp in the 1970s, where they learn about disability rights and activism.

The Jamison Project is a dance company founded by Judith Jamison, a dancer who is deaf. The company creates and performs dance works that explore the relationship between deafness and dance.

Breakin' Convention is a dance festival that showcases hip hop and contemporary dance from around the world. The festival features performances by dancers from diverse backgrounds, including dancers with disabilities.

Liz Lerman Dance Exchange is a dance company founded by Liz Lerman, a dancer and choreographer who has a disability. The company creates and performs dance works that explore the relationship between disability and dance.

The Old Man and the Sea is a dance work created by the AXIS Dance Company that explores the relationship between disability and aging. The piece follows the story of an old man who is struggling to come to terms with his disability.

Jerron Herman Dance Company is a dance company founded by Jerron Herman, a dancer who is blind. The company creates and performs dance works that explore the relationship between blindness and dance.

Symphonic Variations is a dance work created by George Balanchine that incorporates elements of ballet and modern dance. The piece is set to music by Igor Stravinsky and features a cast of dancers from the New York City Ballet.

Kyle Abraham/Abraham.In.Motion is a dance company founded by Kyle Abraham, a dancer and choreographer who is African American. The company creates and performs dance works that explore the relationship between race, identity, and culture.

Poeta is a dance work created by the Spanish choreographer Israel Galván that incorporates elements of flamenco and contemporary dance. The piece is set to music by the Spanish composer Paco de Lucía and features a cast of dancers from the Compañía Israel Galván.

Akram Khan Company is a dance company founded by Akram Khan, a dancer and choreographer who is British-Bangladeshi. The company creates and performs dance works that explore the relationship between culture, identity, and politics.