Let’s Dance

SARN Memo for June 10, 2009

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There are many ways to spread the message of self-advocacy. Some of us like to speak in public—we do it with words. Some of us go to rallies at the capitol—we do it with actions. Some of us write songs—we do it with music. Some of us dance.

Here’s a great video clip of a dance troupe from Memphis. Watch this and you’ll be inspired to start a dance group in your area.

1. More About Company “d”
2. More About the Film
3. Group Activity
4. Resource

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1. More About Company “d”

Company “d” is a performing arts troupe for young adults from Tennessee. They perform around the country. They hope to inspire other groups to start dancing.

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2. More About the Film

Moviemaker Peter Barton traveled to Memphis last summer when his daughter Zoe had the opportunity to intern as a teacher under Darlene Winters, the troupe’s artistic director. His current edit (a work in progress) includes two full performance pieces and poignant, sometimes funny interviews with dancers and parents. The documentary was selected for the Memphis Film Festival, “On Location: Memphis,” and premiered there April 25th. Barton is seeking finishing funds for the project through his not-for-profit public interest media group, Groundswell, Inc. You can contact him at peterbarton@earthlink.net.

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3. Group Activity

Dancer Isadora Duncan once said, “If I could tell you what I mean, there would be no point in dancing.” When your group next meets, talk about how you communicate in many ways besides words.

Watch the blip.tv video clip together. Take turns saying one thing that struck you when watching the dancers. What were they saying about self-advocacy without using words?

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4. Resource

Disability Identity and Culture
This great documentary DVD and workshop guide helps you explore disability culture through art and politics.

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Reader Responses

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