Throughout this module I have been doing a lot of research surrounding my area of inquiry physically integrated dance development. I have been using different sources to gather this information from, the internet, books and journals. This meant for me personally I found it difficult to pick three pieces of literature to review.
My first piece of literature I am going to review is the well-established book “Making and entrance - theory and practice for disabled and non–disabled dancer” Written by Adam Benjamin.
Making an Entrance is the first ever practical introduction to teaching dance with disabled and non-disabled students. This clearly written, thought provoking and hugely enjoyable “manual” is essential reading whether you're just starting out or are already active in the field. Taking improvisation as his focus and as the starting point of choreographic exploration, Adam Benjamin asks what it has to offer as an art form and how it can be better used to meet the changing needs of dance education. In the theoretical section Benjamin explores the history of a disintegrated dance practice, placing it within the wider context of cultural and political movements. He questions what is meant today when we talk about 'inclusive' or 'integrated dance' and what we might expect of it. The book includes over 50 exercises and improvisations designed to stimulate and challenge students at all levels of dance. Benjamin also includes useful hints on the practicalities of setting up workshops covering issues as diverse a class size, the safety aspects of wheelchairs and the accessibility of dance spaces
The theoretical sections look into the history of a 'dis-integrated' dance practice, placing it within the wider context of cultural and political change It also was interesting to explore this area further as it related to the ethics and codes of conduct of physically integrated dance of which I have previously touched upon in this module. Adam Benjamin also questions what is meant by 'inclusive' or 'integrated dance' - and what we might expect of it and how it is pensive in the public eye. (I wish to carry on this research in my inquiry)
Throughout reading “making and entrance” it gave me a detailed insight into the teaching of integrated dance not only through a practical sense but through the use of expression and imagination. I would recommend this Book to any dancer who may or may not have an insight into the world of physically integrated dance as it is an inspiring and thought provoking read.
The second piece of literature I have chosen to reflect upon a case study carried out by Arts and Health - Dance4Health - Stratford Integrated Dance Case Study
I Chose to evaluate this case study as it highlights the development which is being made in some areas of the country. It also highlights the positive effect it has on the surrounding community in Stratford. As seen in the extract below.
“Feedback from the day highlighted that people had enjoyed taking part with a majority of attendees interested in becoming involved in Dance4Health, there was a lot of enthusiasm for the exploration of dance styles from around the world. It was suggested and agreed that the way to move the project forward would to be to run a series of taster sessions in a range of dance styles.”
This case study demonstrates how one committee can change the views on physically integrated dance and promote a healthy image for other local communities. These projects that were involved in the case study provided evidence that these types of workshops can happen and can be taken elsewhere to widen the positive outcome.
These types of events has been made possible in Stratford due to the brilliant organisation and input of the local community this extract shows
“the support received by services, organisations and family carers was superb – this ensured success and meant that everyone who wanted to attend and was available to do so.”
This enlightening case study demonstrates that these types of projects can be established anywhere in the country as long as they coincide with a welcoming local council and support from the local community and local resources. This case study has inspired me to keep looking and pushing for projects like this to develop in Cheshire as this case study shows there are only positive effects.
The final piece of literature I am going to review is useful review of a recent integrated dance project “Making a sign and dance with an integrated dance project”
This review shows detailed and honest interviews with the dancers who took part on the day and displays there thoughts and emotions. This extract displays this
“ Do you enjoy being part of the group?
Melissa: It’s amazing to be part of the group – it’s funny, it’s emotional and we have a great time. I spend most of my week looking forward to our rehearsals. It’s also a great way to improve our sign language, and everyone’s confidence and team skills.”
As it shows in this extract throughout the workshop the use of sign language was encouraged to help communication to everyone involved not only to dancers with hearing impediments. Not only do the dancer’s gain the experience of an integrated dance workshop but also a very valuable life skill also. This has inspired me push the use of sign language and body language in my workshops as it is displayed here it’s a beneficial element.
Another answer given in the workshop to “do you enjoy being part of a group?” was
“Michael: We get monumental amounts of pride out of it. It’s great to see all the hard work the group put in and what they get out. Anyone watching can see that you are capable of doing things that you may not have thought possible. It’s really quite humbling.”
This demonstrates that everyone taking part benefits from these workshops. I found it extremely interesting to read though this review as it has given me the knowledge into what the dancers taking parts emotions and thoughts on integrated dance projects. I hope to further this research on emotions in physically integrated dance later on in my inquiry.
Any comments or thoughts on these reviews would be greatly appreciated.
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