Professional Development Workshop: Scoot Over! Including the creativity of those with disabilities in dance choreography

What happens when we put individuals with disabilities in the role of Choreographer?

In this two-hour workshop open to dance (or gym) teachers, choreographers, directors, and performers, Teaching Artist Angie Nyquist will share her experiences showcasing dancers with disabilities in the creative process.

Partnering with ARTS for ALL Wisconsin and the Children’s Long-Term Support Waiver, Angie has brought dance into the lives of children with disabilities for over 20 years. Her past work with Point Dance Ensemble in collaboration with ARTS for ALL Wisconsin includes works titled, About Bev (2018), Free to Be Me (2018), and Laura (2019) all showcasing dancers with disabilities. Her most recent project, Dance with Me, premiered on March 2, 2024, in Stevens Point.

Participants will view videos of these works, learn about the process of creating them, participate in an inclusive dance session, and network.

This is the second in AFA’s series of free Professional Development workshops in Adaptive and Inclusive Dance made possible by a grant from the Madison Community Foundation. We welcome educators, choreographers, professional dancers, and community members who wish to learn more about inclusive dance practices.

PHOTO CREDIT

"Dance with Me: A Duet," choreographed by Amelia Morris and Angie Nyquist, and performed by Kelsi Judizewicz and Ella Woyak, represents the relationship between mother and daughter. (Photo by Marki Photography, courtesy of Point Dance Ensemble)