In an effort to expand access to dance for all people, Forklift has been collaborating with VSA Texas since 2003 to provide mixed-ability* dance classes for people with and without disabilities. Now entitled Body Shift, this collaboration includes Saturday monthly classes and a yearly weekend intensive. Led by Austin teachers with extensive experience in mixed-ability work, the objectives of this collaboration are to broaden access to the arts for people with disabilities, to expand the movement range and personal approaches to movement for the participants, and to provide an opportunity for dancers with disabilities and able-bodied dancers to dance together.
Monthly Body Shift classes are held on the 3rd Saturday of the month. These classes give beginning to seasoned dancers interested in mixed-ability work an opportunity to continue and further their practice. See schedule below for upcoming classes.
*Mixed-ability dance classes are open to adults with a variety of dance experiences and bodies. People with disabilities, beginning dancers, seasoned professionals, older dancers, and people returning to dance are all welcome at these classes.
Saturday Mixed-Ability Dance Classes
All Classes at Galaxy Dance Studio, 1700 S. Lamar, Suite 338;
Austin, TX 78704**
Winter and Spring Class Schedule
Saturday, November 19th from 12-2pm; Olivia O'Hare, teacher
NO CLASS IN DECEMBER
Saturday, January 21st from 2-4pm; Michele Owens, teacher
Saturday, February 18th from 2-4pm; Julie Nathanielsz, teacher
Saturday, March 17th from 2-4pm; Olivia O'Hare, teacher
Saturday, April 21st from 2-4pm; Tom Giebink, teacher
Saturday, May 19th from 2-4pm; Laurie Ellington, teacher
Saturday, June 16th from 2-4pm; Michele Owens, teacher
$15 sliding scale. Checks and Cash accepted at the door.
No reservations required.
For more info, contact Carly Blair at carly@forkliftdanceworks.org.
**Galaxy Dance Studios is located at the rear of Lamar Center. Look for for the blue and white “Galaxy” sign in the stack of business signs on the west side of Lamar (YogaYoga is also one of the businesses). Located on the 3, 5, and 331 bus routes.
Reflections from a Body Shift participant:
“I already knew in theory that the world of dance can be open to people with disabilities, but it was very satisfying to feel and experience it for myself as a blind person, and for people with many types of differences who are not traditionally thought of as dancers.”
Here is a wonderful opportunity to share your talents and enjoy the talents of others. We will start with audience warm up theater games and move into short performances. Performers (that’s YOU!) may offer many different things: Poem, song, skit, magic, puppetry, juggling, comedy, storytelling, and comedy. Anything is possible! Well, not exactly, no skateboarding or anything too wildly physical because we have to be safe/sane in the gallery space... Special guests and stars from our classes will also grace our stage... This is a family friendly setting catering to young adults and adults, persons with and without disabilities.
Doors Open 7pm.
Upon Arrival - Sign up for your performance time slot!
7:30-8:00pm - First performer set
8:00-8:15 - Break and Networking Time
8:15-8:45 - Second performer show set.
8:45 to 9:00 - Cleanup. Lights Out/Doors Shut 9:30.
Fall Dates: Oct 22, Nov 19, Dec 17.
Where: Access Gallery, 3701 Guadalupe St., Suite 103, Austin, TX 78705, 512-323-6626
Who? Families, teens, adults with and without disabilities
Cost: Pay as you Can. Suggested minimum donation $5.
What to Bring? You are welcome to bring your own seating pillow, hat, costume, musical instrument or lines from a poem etc. VSA arts will provide microphone and amplification system.
Leadership and staffing: VSA arts will provide a zippy host for the event and trained volunteers who are available to support you in your participation.