Everyone that I’ve encountered is simply fabulous. I felt like I belonged and as a person that has gone through so much it matters to be included.
–2018 Summer Intensive Participant
AXIS Dance Company invites disabled and non-disabled dancers from around the world to engage, share and learn from one another and the AXIS dancers and staff for our annual Summer Intensive. Students learn new skills in three different modules derived from the company’s working ethos and repertoire that will enhance and develop their own practice in improvisation, choreography and performance, and dance education. Our teacher training module provides professional dance teachers and experienced artists the chance to enhance their skills and working methods in inclusive dance and translation for dancers with disabilities. Following the three module days we are offering programming focused on fully accessible movement classes that close with “Radical Chats” – facilitated discussions on personal disability education and advocacy in the arts.
The 2022 Summer Intensive took place virtually from July 27th – 29th, and August 1st – 2nd, 2022.
ALL DAYS MEET 9:00am-2:00pm PT
(note, the Teacher Training module includes additional chat time 2-3pm PT)
Wednesday, July 27 | Module 1 | Improvisation
Thursday, July 28 | Module 2 | Choreography
Friday, July 29 | Module 3 | Teacher Training
Monday, August 1 | Inclusive Movement | Integrated Yoga & Wheelchair Movement | Radical Chat
Tuesday, August 2 | Inclusive Movement | Improvisation & Salsa | Radical Chat
All sessions will held via Zoom.
Blog Post: 2022 Summer Intensive with Kailey McLaughlin
My name is Kailey McLaughlin and I am a dance/movement teacher based in Brooklyn, NY. I’ve bounced between the Southeast and New England for most of my life, but consider Chapel Hill, NC my hometown. I came to New York City via Skidmore College, a small liberal arts school in Saratoga Springs, NY. That is where I was first introduced to integrated dance through a modern dance course for Skidmore students and adults with developmental disabilities from a local day program. This class changed the way I thought about movement, accessibility, and the dancing body and it led me to the work I do now. Currently, I teach folks of all ages and abilities, from creative movement for kids ages 18 months-6 years to modern dance and somatic practices for teens/young adults with autism to movement classes for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Dance is for any body and I try to create more accessible dance education experiences in my community.
I came into this intensive hoping to learn best teaching practices for the betterment of my students and to dance for myself along the way. I accomplished those things and so much more. These five days with AXIS were truly transformational. The company’s warmth permeated through Zoom and created a strong sense of community among all the participants from around the world. It was a complete immersion into the language and embodiment of inclusive dance that not only gave me concepts to bring into my classes, but reminded me that, in addition to being an educator, I am still a dancer and an artist as well. Dancing with AXIS was one of the first times I felt empowered to be fully honest in my dancing. I was able to meet my body where it was at each day, which is a testament to the company members modeling and valuing all movement choices. In addition to personal growth through movement, it was wonderful to learn from other participants through observation and conversation. Being in a room, albeit virtual, with movers with the same values was so special. It would not have happened without AXIS bringing us together and facilitating engaging discussions on disability and inclusion in the world of dance and beyond. This intensive came at a perfect time in my life and I am so grateful for these days of exploration, creation, and collaboration with AXIS. I will bring all that I learned and experienced with me to my dancing and teaching from now on.
Module Information
Module 1: Improvisation
AXIS Dancers & Staff lead students through improvisation scores and structured exercises to develop partnering and listening skills in a trusting and safe environment. Students will respond to the environments around them as well as each other, learning how we can effect time and space through the choices we make as performers and the influences around us.
Module 2: Choreography and Performance
Choreography and Performance students will begin with a technique class learning material and dance sequences to develop technique, memory, coordination and movement qualities and dynamics. Students will use these skills to develop their own choreographic interests, investigate their own practice, and gain insight into the tasks and skills used to devise the work in the company’s current repertoire.
Module 3: Teacher Training for Dancers, Professionals & Educators
Our teacher-training course is designed for teachers of dance and experienced artists interested in developing their teaching skills in leading integrated dance in an inclusive and supportive environment. Drawing on AXIS Dance Company’s creative practice, expertise and methodology in teaching integrated dance, students will explore the following areas:
- Open door policy – Removing any physical and emotional barriers
that prevent people with disabilities from attending class - Universal language and communication
- Exploring a variety of dance techniques, disciplines and approaches to teaching dance
- Stripping away the myths of integrated dance for a realistic approach to teaching inclusivity
- To challenge and be challenged – a mutual dialogue of respect between teacher and student
- Body specificity – Working with different bodies to ensure all are challenged and learning
- Develop useful tools and skills to put into practice
- Ensuring best practice in integrated dance
- Build teachers’ confidence and set up a teachers’ network for future support
- Q&A time for discussion and feedback
What Students Are Saying
“The amount of awareness this brings to the small, subconscious prejudices I live in, around, and with outside of the dance studio is astounding. Now I’m looking for an apartment that is wheelchair accessible so that I can include all of my new friends in my life. I feel I was a bit asleep, and now, I am awake… or waking up. Always.”
“Thank you for making one of my dreams come true when I thought it wouldn’t be possible after becoming paralyzed, I truly appreciate it. I’m glad I was dedicated and coachable to your program, I’ve learned a lot and gained confidence and joy.”
“I faced my fears and I overcame them. I stayed, even when I felt uncomfortable because I knew the outcome would be good for me. And it was.”
“Elaborating the theoretical material/options/scores together and implementing them right away afterwards, was very helpful. It’s been a very good mix between theory and practice.”
“Witnessing other dancers/teachers model patience, care, risk and fun within the context of inclusive teaching and dancing was wonderful.”
“Not only is dance for ‘every body’, regarding disabled/nondisabled, but my body in the space is welcome to exist as is. I knew, and believed in my heart, that the ‘molds’ were mirages, but now I know there are places that embrace that.”
“I always say that I dance but not that I’m a dancer, but now I know that I am.”
