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. 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: Hardback
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, characterized by physical contact, offered a unique platform for participants to explore their boundaries, connect, and foster mutual understanding.

In 1994, Katy Dymoke took over the reins of Touchdown Dance, and in this chapter, she shares invaluable insights, archival materials, and personal experiences. Through her narrative, she highlights the learning that has been passed down through the years, fostering a sense of continuity and shared growth. Touch and movement play a pivotal role in promoting accessibility and inclusion, and the authors developed modality-specific approaches to ensure that visually impaired individuals could actively participate in pro-touch activities.

The continuum of movement-based methods employed in Touchdown Dance bridges the gaps between visual and nonvisual polarities, creating a holistic learning experience that engages all participants through a body-focused approach. The mutable membrane serves as a heuristic device, facilitating a relational realm where debate, change, and growth can flourish. It becomes a catalyst for exploring the complexities of human interaction and fostering a sense of belonging.

However, it is important to acknowledge that the absence of touch, exclusion, and inequality are not mere abstractions but the consequences of a visually dominant society that fails to accommodate the diverse needs of its members. 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 the transformative impact of Touchdown Dance on individuals' lives, emphasizing the importance of sociocultural inclusion and the transformative power of artistic expression.

In conclusion, Inclusive Dance serves as a testament to the power of disability arts in fostering understanding, connection, and empowerment. Through its ethnographic lens, it provides a profound exploration of the 1980s when disability arts groups blossomed, highlighting the importance of inclusive practices and the transformative potential of artistic expression. Touchdown Dance, under the guidance of Katy Dymoke and the contributions of its participants, continues to be a beacon of hope, promoting accessibility, inclusion, and the celebration of human diversity.

Dimension: 244 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789388695
Edition number: New ed