Dance! Dance! Dance!

Who ever said that dancing can only be by the movement of one's whole body?

Dictionary.com says this,

"1. to move one's feet or body, or both, rhythmically in a pattern of steps, especially to the accompaniment of music

2. to leap, skip, etc., as from excitement or emotion; move nimbly or quickly

3. to bob up and down"

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/dance

Why does dancing only mean the movement of one's feet or to leap?

AXIS Dance Company doesn't think that this is the definition of dancing either!




"Prepare to leave all your preconceptions at the door... "

 

"...AXIS reminds us that within every restriction and every limitation, the number of possible artistic choices is limitless. And the most stirring art occurs when a human being strains against those limits. This is why we continue to look forward to every single AXIS performance." Tom Metz, Friend & Donor

AXIS Dance Company, one of the world’s most acclaimed and innovative ensembles of performers with and without disabilities, will change the way you think about dance and the possibilities of the human body forever. Founded in 1987, AXIS has become a jewel of contemporary dance and disability culture. AXIS has paved the way for a powerful contemporary dance form - physically integrated dance- performing in over sixty cities nationwide, as well as in Europe and Siberia.

Under the Artistic Direction of Judith Smith, the Company’s list of collaborators read like a Who’s Who of contemporary dance-- Bill T. Jones, Stephen Petronio, Joe Goode, Joanna Haigood, Victoria Marks, Ann Carlson, Margaret Jenkins, Sonya Delwaide, Meredith Monk, Fred Frith and Joan Jeanrenaud. AXIS has received seven Isadora Duncan Dance Awards and an additional eight nominations. AXIS is also known for its unparalleled education/outreach program Dance Access and its youth component Dance Access/KIDS! that offer a kaleidoscope of events for adults and youth of all abilities locally and on tour.

Their mission:

• to create and perform contemporary dance that is developed through the collaboration of dancers with and without disabilities
• to teach dance and educate about collaboration and disability through community education and outreach programs
• to promote and support physically integrated dance locally, nationally and internationally

AXIS performs all over California and even goes on tour all over the United States. They teach about abilities and not disabilities. Dance Access is an education program that redefines dance and emphasizes ability. This program for youth and adults enriches communities by providing education on dance and disability regardless of social economic or physical differences. One parent said:

"I saw her and I didn't know it was my daughter. It touched me so deeply. I never thought she would be able to dance like that." - Manuela

Dance Access is a fun, non-competitive, creative, and physical outlet for all ages.

AXIS is a non-profit organization and relies completely on donations.

• $35 will pay one dancer for two hours of rehearsal.
• $50 will pay for the cost of gas for one van full of AXIS dancers to travel to an education/outreach event in the Bay Area.
• $100 will pay for one dancer's salary to do a teacher training, giving educators the tools to integrate students with disabilities into their dance classes.
• $150 will cover the cost of one month of health insurance for an AXIS dancer.
• $300 will pay for two dancers to conduct a Master Class at a dance school, college or university.
• $500 will cover the cost of a lecture demonstration at a disability awareness day for a local business.
• $1000 will cover the cost of two AXIS assembly performances at a local elementary or middle school.
• $1500 will cover the cost of one dancers monthly salary for January 2010

AXIS is Funded by:

• National Endowment for the Arts
• The California Arts Council
• Alameda County Arts Commission
•  City of Oakland Cultural Arts & Marketing Department

 



AXIS Dance Company is always looking for dancers to help them create this impressive and moving art. Here is their promotional video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=l9h1KuRLefo

Dancing is not just for those who are considered able bodied by most of the population. It's for everyone!!

DANCE! DANCE! DANCE!
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