uodsp: mixed-abilities dance research

[Sara Zolbrod]

Hello, 
I work with DanceAbility International. We are based in Eugene but the
25-year old DanceAbility method--which connects people with ALL
abilities and disabilities, through dance and movement--is practiced in
over 20 countries worldwide. The founder of the method is here in
Eugene, Alito Alessi, and has been recognized as a Guggenheim Fellow for
his contributions to dance pedagogy (and choreography) that has opened
dance to many more people than previously could participate. 
One of our teachers will be leading a weekly dance/creative movement
class for teens, starting September 17th, and lasting till Nov. 19th (10
sessions, from 4 - 5pm on Thursdays, at Hilyard Community Center.) 
While our method is well known in contemporary dance circles, and in
some dance pedagogy circles, and perhaps a bit in some inclusive
education pedagogy circles, there has not been much empirical/academic
research/writing done on the impact of participating in this particular
method. We are seeking collaborators at the Univ. of Oregon who share
similar interests and want to discuss possibilities for research. 

Last year in the weekly teen's classes, we had about 12-14 participants,
most with developmental disabilities (and/or traumatic brain injuries,
etc.), and a couple with mental and physical disabilities, and a couple
with just physical disabilities. We would love to have best-practice
pre-participation evaluations to compare with post-participation
evaluations, for example. We expect a mix of some teens who participated
last year, and some children completely new to the DanceAbility method. 

If you think of somebody in particular who would be a good contact for
me, perhaps in Special Education, etc., please let me know. Thanks. 

I will circulate information about the class in a separate
(less-detailed) email. 

-- 
Sara Zolbrod
Managing Director
Joint Forces Dance Company - DanceAbility International
541-342-3273
sara at danceability.com
PO Box 51257 Eugene, OR 97405

----------------
2015 News:
The next DanceAbility Teacher Certification Course will be in Rome,
Italy from September 8th - October 3rd, 2015. For more details, visit
our calendar on the Danceability website.
http://www.danceability.com