Today I had my first group Skype discussion. Adesola mentioned that these discussions are not used for asking what to do or asking others what the answer is to questions they also don't know the answer too. Which at first I was a little taken back but realise its better to come to the conclusion and answer yourself rather relying on others to come to a conclusion for you.
We firstly went around mentioning what we wanted to gain/learn from today's Skype call. For a lot of us this was our first time and was a bit unsure of what to say or do. I know me personally felt a little uneasy about this experience. We spoke about multiple topics that we had been thinking about recently, some questions we were stumped for an answer, but it was all part of our initial learning and we can all take away some sort of burning question to later research up on and look into in more depth.
One main thing that stuck out to me today in discussion was the thought that our industry as performers would have to be changed in order to make it fully accessible for disability in the arts.
I then went to delve a little deeper into this concept and find out some information for myself, I began looking into companies, productions and performers that involved or was ran by someone who had some sort of learning difficulty/ disability.
I came across alot of interesting finds one which i really found interesting was a website for Para Dance UK https://www.wheelpower.org.uk/sports/wheelchair-dance?gclid=Cj0KCQjwoKzsBRC5ARIsAITcwXE2NUXusT9gLEKXRDUVa4fqxmINyGZfg_RC6Tg3UysR74c49oP9HbUaAlwEEALw_wcB Where i found classes for wheelchair dance and also a very inspiring video of the team who have made this happen.
It really made me think and realise that when you and others think of dance sometimes the first thought that may jump into peoples heads is the ideal image of a ballet dancer in their tights and tutus, when it is so much more than that. I took a step back to look at my own career/ practice in a different way than I would normally, to not take things so seriously, not be ungrateful and always wanting more, striving for perfection isn't always the best attitude to have when it comes to your own self esteem, sit back and appreciate how far you have come and props to you for what you have achieved already. Sometimes it is simply better to enjoy yourself, listen to music, have fun! simply remember why you chose this as your path in the first place!!
I came across a lot of companies today here are to name a few:
Amici Dance Company- Dance theatre company intergrating able bodied and disable artists and performers. (London)
Corali Dance Company- Professional performance group made up of adults with learning disabilities.
Dance Syndrome- Provides community dance workshops throughout the north west. Their work inspires and empowers both dancers and audiences to believe that opportunities are endless for people who refuse to be defined by disability.
These are just to name a few, I have copied in a link to a website I found with a vast amount of companies across our country but also internationally it is really amazing to see that there is actually opportunities out there for people who would like to pursue a career in the performing industry but who require additional help.
https://www.communitydance.org.uk/useful-contacts-and-links/dance-and-disabled-people
So to finalise my very long blog! p.s sorry about that!!
On initial thought today my impression was that there wasn't much out there for disability in the arts but after just conducting a days worth of research I am so proud in the performing industry that there is things available out there when I thought I was going to struggle to find it. It just makes it very apparent that Arts is for everyone!!
The only way I feel we could move forward in this moment is to integrate so much more than we already are. We are lucky to be living in such an accepting society but sometimes its not always the case. I have found this research to be very informative and I definitely will carry on with this research.
SORRY AGAIN FOR THE LONG BLOG!!
Joanne x
