To complete my professional inquiry into integrated Dance awareness and accessibility, I have taken the time to research and gain as much knowledge on the programs and companies that already have schemes and ideas in place to help raise disability awareness through the art of integrated dance to children and parents.
Whilst researching I came across this article from the American Magazine New Mobility. This magazine is published once a month “New Mobility encourages the integration of active-lifestyle wheelchair users into mainstream society, while simultaneously reflecting the vibrant world of disability-related arts, media, advocacy and philosophy”(new mobility mission statement). The article that stood out to me was written by Josie Byzek
“Physically integrated dance comes of age”.
I have chosen this article to review due to its relevance to my inquiry. The article gives clear indications of the growth of integrated dance and highlights three main companies which have education schemes to raise awareness. AXIS Dance Company, Dancing with wheels and The GIMP Project.
Throughout the planning and first stages of my inquiry, I have tried to find a definition of integrated dance that I could explore. Throughout the article Josie Byzek picks up on small definitions, quotes about the art which I have found extremely useful to inspire myself and also the participants taking part in my inquiry.
“Physically integrated dance is really, really exciting, It's accessible in a way most modern and contemporary dance isn't, because you get to see people you wouldn't ordinarily think of as dancers dancing And oh, how they dance”. Judith Smith, artistic director of AXIS Dance. "
Throughout the article Josie Byzek explains how companies such as “Dancing with wheels” are expanding disability awareness through dance by trying to attract a family orientated and younger target audience by performing such stories as “Alice and Wonderland” and their popular performance Of “The Snowman”. Josie Byzek also explains why “Dancing with wheels” performers in this genre; ”Dancing Wheels' performances often appeal to families, such as a dance called "Snowman" that shows both sit-down and stand-up dancers — as the company refers to those who use or don't use wheelchairs — engaging in snowball battles, building snowmen and other fun winter activities. Yet there are some pieces, such as "Walking on Clouds," that deal with serious topics, like how it feels to be discriminated against because of disability or race.” I personally feel that this is an inventive idea as it if we showcase this to a younger audience it may help demolish the prejudice surrounding disability, it also helps those effected how to learn and grow through their experiences . I Hope that in the future more companies and community projects aim for a younger target audience at the appropriate times as it may help raise awareness of disability in dance. If more companies were able to promote integrate dance to a younger audience I feel this could result in more disabled dancers attending classes.
In the later parts of the article Josie Byzek Shares accounts from members of these three Companies. A Quote taken from Dancer Lawrence Carter- Long GIMP company dancer on his views toward integrated dance,
"Physically integrated dance, first and foremost, is art. If it doesn't work as art, then none of the disability awareness that we do would have the impact it has My sense is the expectations for disabled performers are still so low that you've got to be better than good to even get people's attention. People still expect macaroni glued on a plate."
I agree with this account from Lawrence Carter-Long although I feel that if projects like his company The GIMP Project continue their disability awareness course this feeling he speaks of would dramatically change for the better and help accessibility and awareness.
This article has helped me to gain more knowledge into the first hand feelings sounding an integrated dance. This is due to the tasteful accounts published by Josie Byzek of the dancers and artistic directors of the three integrated companies discussed. By reviewing this article it has aided me to understand what has already been established to raise awareness and accessibility for disabled students wanting to dance.
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