Dance Expressions Unlimited
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Dance Expressions Unlimited (DEU) Dancers 2008 |
Dance Expressions Unlimited (DEU)
Dance Expressions Unlimited was created in fall 2006 to bring contemporary integrated dance experiences to people with disabilities in Edmonton and surrounding areas. Previously, there had been little opportunity for organized dance instruction specific to this population, although the interest is evident. Through a partnership between The Steadward Center for Personal and Physical Achievement and the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Northern Alberta, Dance Expressions Unlimited was born.
The Program
Dance Expressions Unlimited meets once a week for one and a half hours at the University of Alberta. During this time the dancers participate in warm ups, wheelchair skills, dance techniques and other techniques specific to wheelchair dance, and developing choreography which culminates in various informal demonstrations and a final year end performance.
Since its inception, our membership continues to grow and interest in this area of dance has increased dramatically. In addition to teaching regular dance classes for individuals with disabilities, our three instructors also conduct workshops in the community. These workshops introduce integrated and adapted dance and develop awareness of the beauty, grace and inclusiveness of dance in a variety of forms including ballroom, ballet, improvisation, contemporary, jazz and hip hop among others.
The Instructors
A team of three dance instructors are responsible for the planning, choreography, and instruction for this weekly program. Two of the instructors are graduate students with a background in dance, rhythmic gymnastics and adapted physical activity. Although their graduate programs are focused in adapted physical activity, Dance Expressions Unlimited grew from their passion for music and movement through dance and is a pursuit in addition to their schooling rather than a component of their graduate programs. The third instructor is a full time wheelchair user with a background in arts and cultural management and performance experience with Orchesis in their yearly production Motif. Together our instructors create a broad knowledge base and bring unique perspectives to the dance environment (See attached instructor resume).
In July 2007, our instructors travelled to Gloucestershire, UK to attend an integrated dance workshop provided by the Candoco Dance Company from London. Candoco is a world leader in contemporary integrated dance and provided us with strong model on which to build our own dance programs. During this workshop, our instructors expanded their knowledge in integrated dance, particularly in developing choreography and adapting traditional dance techniques, and returned with many new ideas and skills to bring to the dance program. This professional development has enabled us to improve our program and develop as leaders in this area.
Dance Expressions Unlimited Wheel Chair Dance group Looking for Dancers!
Times: Wednesday evenings from:6:30 to 8:00pm.
Location: Pat Austin Centre, GB-08 Basement of Education building at the U of A.
Interested in joining? For more information please contact Lori Morphy.
Contact: Lori Morphy Phone: 492-2679
Email: lori.morphy@ualberta.ca
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