Movement is Magic.
Making inclusive spaces for every body.
Having creative, community-centered inclusive places to dance creates space for everyone to discover the joy of movement.
As a person who uses a manual wheelchair, dancing has made navigating public spaces easier and has given me tools to help care for my slowly shifting disabled body. I have created connections with people worldwide and have found pure passion and joy in moving.
It has inspired me to create dancing spaces where everyone can flourish.
Creative Contemporary Improvisation.
I create inclusive environments for disabled, MAD, and marginalized artists to collaborate and empower one another through authentic movement.
Throughout the past 18 years, I have pursued dance and teaching courses under the guidance of renowned disabled and integrated dance companies like Axis Dance, CandoCo, Propeller: Dance Theatre, and All Bodies Dance Project. Luna Dance Institute, Foolish Operations, and Donna Redlick have also significantly influenced my teaching approach.
Unfortunately, when I was a child, there were no options for dance classes. Due to my limp, many teachers were intimidated in the 80s and claimed I would hinder the progress of other students. However, that didn't deter me from absorbing all the dance lessons in school and dancing whenever I could. It wasn't until my mid-twenties, when I began using a wheelchair full-time, that I had the opportunity to perform and take classes. Improvisation and skill development gave me a sense of freedom I had never experienced before. That's when I discovered my passion for teaching and guiding others in exploring the beauty of their movement.
Ready Dance Youth Project
Young dancers, with and without disabilities, are invited to explore the joy of movement, music-making, and performing in a safe and inclusive space. This program is presented by All Bodies Dance Project, Roundhouse Community Centre, and my collaborators Danielle Wensley and Ben Brown. Through dance and music improvisation, participants can celebrate their individuality and diversity.
https://www.allbodiesdance.ca/courses/ready-dance-youth-project
New Works Share Dance Program
Workshops pair equity-owed artists with underserved communities to offer opportunities for artists to connect with diverse young people. In turn, participants explore self-expression through creative movement and see their cultures and lived experiences represented among the teaching dance artists. Workshops are low-barrier and tailored to meet the specific needs of the groups the dance artists work with.
Real Wheels Acting Academy Movement Instructor
Realwheels Acting Academy is a unique professional training program specifically tailored to anybody that self-identifies with the disability community and/or who is D/deaf, including but not limited to people with disabilities, disabled people, people with hidden disabilities, and neurodiverse individuals. Tailored to help participants thrive.
Classes
I offer classes to diverse and disabled classes. Tailored to the needs of the group. Contact me for details.
Workshops
Do you want a one or two-hour workshop that explores creative dance, improvisation, and somatic methodologies? I can offer my lived experience and years in dance to create just what you need. Classes can be in person or online.
Speaking Opportunities and Interviews
I love talking about dance, disability, and its impact on communities. Please reach out if you want to speak to your group or organization.