On Friday 8 July 2011, a diverse group of contributors passionate about supporting inclusive dance practice in NSW gathered at CarriageWorks to participate in Accessible Arts' Dance Symposium.
A forum and masterclass event to demonstrate and expand inclusive dance practice in NSW is being presented by Accessible Arts in July 2011. Leaders and innovative thinkers in dance from across the country will share knowledge, experience and skills, to inspire new directions for inclusive dance practice.
A focus on the place and practice of inclusive dance in Australia gathered a strong presence at Accessible Arts’ national conference, held in March at the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney.
After six years of support from Accessible Arts and Sydney Dance Company, Accessible Dance classes will be managed by an independant dance practitioner with a passion for using dance and movement to work with people from all groups and backgrounds.News
Beyond 'Technique' to unleash inclusive dance opportunities
Natalie Hamam approached Accessible Arts during the middle of 2009 to enquire about dance companies that are accessible to people who are wheelchair users. Her and her partner Anthony Lloyd are not professional dancers, but have a passion for dance and go clubbing whenever they can.
As part of an initiative to promote the accessibility of dance in NSW and increase opportunities for people like Natalie and Anthony, Accessible Arts is presenting a series of dance masterclasses, as a pre-Arts Activated conference event in March 2010. Natalie and Anthony have decided to give the classes a go.
“Neither of us have a formal dance background, but would both like to experiment and learn more about dance techniques in a creative and accessible environment. We have done nothing like this before, which is a bit scary, but we love having adventures,” explains Natalie.
Becky Chapman, Arts Development Officer from Accessible Arts explains, "These dance sessions will give up to 20 people an opportunity to work with Philip Channells from Restless Dance Theatre. Philip works with open minded bodies and mixed groups of people with an interest in dance, ranging from experienced performers and teachers to people who enjoy dance and movement as non professionals. Some people will have a disability, some will not but everyone will be moving in ways that get the blood pumping and the heat rising. We've called it 'Beyond Technique' because for many people traditional dance technique is both limiting and inaccessible."
To find out more about Beyond Technique | Searching for Authenticity or express interest in participating, please call Becky Chapman tel: 02 9251 6499 ext 107, Monday and Tuesday only.