AXIS Dance Company

AXIS redefines dance & disability.

Youth Programs

The disabled and non-disabled dancers perform an assembly for elementary school students, wearing brightly colored aprons
AXIS Dancer Julie Hasushi, who is a wheelchair user, dancers with young children in a workshop
Photo by Danae Rees
Yuko Monden Juma folds her hands and smiles as a group of elementary school students copy her gesture during assembly audience participation. 
A group of diverse elementary school students enthusiastically raise their hands as part of an AXIS assembly.
JanpiStar a latinx person who is a wheelchair user, lifts their hands up with a smile and children around them copy the gesture. 
Photo by Adam Tolbert
Five AXIS dancers are photographed from behind as they stand and sit in a line, presenting to a group of school children who sit on the floor of an auditorium. 
David Calhoun sits on a four-wheeled scooter, while JanpiStar lies on their back; Alaja Badalich and Louisa Mann push the dancers as they fly through space. All four dancers are smiling and wear black jumpsuits with diamond patterns.
Photo by Doug Kaye

AXIS Dance Company offers mind-opening performances and dance workshops for grades K-5 and 6-12. These programs showcase innovative, contemporary choreography and emphasize collaboration among disabled, non-disabled and neurodiverse people.

In 2025, AXIS is transitioning to a theater-hosted model for our Youth Engagement Performances vs. in-school assemblies. Stay tuned for updates for how your school can participate.

WHY?

TO ENSURE a fully accessible experience for both participating schools and the AXIS teaching artists.

TO PROVIDE a positive model, fully illustrating the importance of accessibility and inclusion for all.

TO OFFER more students and educators the opportunity to see live integrated dance, participate in collaborative activities, and engage with the performers in an accessible environment.

TO SUPPORT CA school districts and schools with resources to use Prop 28 funding.

TO ENGAGE with theater venues to create a broader understanding of accessibility in their space for audience, performers, and staff.

Any questions? Please reach out to [email protected]

More information on Creative / Integrated Dance Workshops below.

Creative Dance Workshops

For Grades K-5: AXIS will teach creative dance classes to disabled, non-disabled, and neurodiverse youth. Participants will be led through activities that encourage them to explore their own movement vocabulary, build confidence, practice cooperation, and develop an appreciation of each other’s individual, creative expression. This workshop pairs well with our K-5 Youth Performance. Maximum of 25 participants.

Integrated Dance Workshops

For Grades 6-12: AXIS will introduce elements of integrated dance for disabled, non-disabled, and neurodiverse students. The emphasis of this class will be on investigation and exploration, using creative movement, improvisation, and modern dance technique. Target audiences are students with some level of dance, athletic, or movement experience. This workshop pairs well with our 6-12 Youth Performance. Maximum of 25 participants.

Thank you to our Funders

AXIS’ Youth Programs are supported in part by the
California Arts Council, a state agency. Learn more at www.arts.ca.gov

California Arts Council logo in Red, blue, yellow and light blue.

Support AXIS

Donate now to help AXIS redefine dance and disability. We thank you for your dedication to the transformative power of dance and inclusion.

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