Inclusive Dance: The Story of Touchdown Dance

Inclusive Dance is an ethnography of disability arts and a historiographic overview of the 1980s when many new disability arts groups came to fruition. It involves visually impaired and sighted adults in Contact Improvisation, a dyadic movement form requiring physical contact. Katy Dymoke took over Touchdown Dance in 1994 and shares the learning that has been shared over the years to today. Touch and movement are essential for accessibility and inclusion, and modality-specific approaches were devised to ensure a democratic process. The continuum of movement-based methods fills the gaps in polarities of visual and nonvisual, and a two-way membrane interlinks all participants in a body-focused learning experience. Three point of view chapters from two visually impaired and one sighted company dancer describe the performance work, revealing how lives are changed and why sociocultural inclusion is imperative.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 380 pages
Publication date: 09 August 2023
Publisher: Intellect Books

Inclusive Dance is a comprehensive ethnography that delves into the world of disability arts, providing a rich historical overview of the vibrant 1980s when numerous new disability arts groups emerged. This captivating exploration was driven by the research ambition of dancer Steve Paxton and theatre maker and psychotherapist Anne Kilcoyne, who aimed to bring together visually impaired and sighted adults in the captivating realm of Contact Improvisation. This dyadic movement form, which requires physical contact, became the focal point of Touchdown Dance.

In 1994, Katy Dymoke took over the reins of Touchdown Dance, and in this chapter, she shares invaluable insights, drawing from archives, accounts, and her personal experiences. Through her narrative, she highlights the learning that has been passed down through the years, fostering a sense of continuity and growth within the community.

Touch and movement hold immense importance in promoting accessibility and inclusion, and thus, specific modality-based approaches were devised to ensure a democratic process toward the inclusion of visually impaired individuals in pro-touch activities. The continuum of movement-based methods bridges the gaps between visual and nonvisual polarities, creating a two-way membrane that interlinks all participants in a body-focused learning experience. This mutable membrane evolves into a heuristic device, facilitating exploration of the relational realm and serving as a platform for debate and change.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the consequences of an inaccessible visually dominant society extend to touch deprivation, exclusion, and inequality. Three point-of-view chapters, contributed by two visually impaired and one sighted company dancer, offer further depth and insight into the performance work. These chapters vividly depict how lives are transformed and underscore the urgent need for sociocultural inclusion.

In conclusion, Inclusive Dance serves as a profound testament to the power of disability arts, showcasing the transformative impact of artistic expression on individuals and communities. Through its ethnographic lens, it sheds light on the historical context, artistic practices, and societal challenges that shape the world of disability arts. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, artists, and activists, as it contributes to the ongoing dialogue about inclusivity, diversity, and the importance of artistic expression in society.

Weight: 658g
Dimension: 169 x 244 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789388367