Karen Peterson, Artistic Director of the Karen Peterson and Dancers company, will lead a free movement workshop for persons with disabilities on Sunday, August 7 and September 4, at 10:00 am at their studio near The Falls in south Miami-Dade County. They are South Florida’s only professional dance group that practices what is called “physically integrated dance,” a highly physical and creative exploration of movement that includes those with and without disabilities.
Integrated dance focuses on the individual’s ability to bring their unique, innovative movement style to the creative process to create a choreographic language that is special and inclusive to the dancers involved in the practice. It is part of the disability and dance culture movement, and recognizes and celebrates the first-person experience of disability, not as a medical construct but as an artistic field. Individuals who wish to participate in the workshop must be interested in movement collaborations with dance artists and have the desire to create and perform physically integrated dance. “We are looking for people who want to stretch physical boundaries and go beyond every day limits, and we are hopeful that we can find some possible new members for our company, who will also be part of the community work we engage in,” says Peterson.
The workshop takes place at the company’s Excello Dance studio in The Falls arts district, 8700 SW 129 Terrace (off Galloway), from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Sunday, August 7 and September 4. People who wish to participate should RSVP by contacting Karen@karenpetersondancers.org or calling (305) 298-5879. More information about the dance company is available at www.karenpetersondancers.org. Information in accessible formats, sign language interpreters, and/or any disability accommodation can also be requested. Excello is fully wheel chair accessible, and there is onsite parking.
Karen Peterson and Dancers was founded in 1990 and is dedicated to the development, education and presentation of dance through workshops and performances, integrating dancers and students with a range of physical abilities. They have presented an annual season of new work at multiple venues throughout South Florida, have performed throughout the state, and have presented their work nationally, from New York to Washington, D.C., and in nine countries, including Brazil, Spain, Ireland, Portugal and Serbia. In honor of her work, Ms. Peterson has received a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the New World School of the Arts, a Bank of America “Cultural Award” from the American Red Cross, and a “Queen of the Arts” Award from the Miami Herald.
Support for Karen Peterson and Dancers comes in part from Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and Cultural Affairs Council, and the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; The Miami Salon Group; The Children’s Trust; The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in partnership with Very Special Arts; Citizens Interested in the Arts; Leibowitz Trust; Jewish Communal Fund; WLRN; and other donors.
WHAT:
Free movement and dance workshop for those with and without disabilities
WHEN:
Sunday, August 7 and September 4 at 10:00 am
WHERE:
Excello Dance, 8700 SW 129 Terrace (off Galloway), Miami, FL, 33176
ADMISSION:
Free but RSVP requested
FOR MORE INFO:
www.karenpetersondancers.org (305) 298-5879 (305) 298-5879
