Modern Dance 'Radiates' at River Eves Elementary

students participated in an entertaining and informative look at physically integrated modern dance with the Full Radius Dance company during mid-March.

The company gave a lecture demonstration, incorporating professional dance, audience participation and a question and answer session, highlighting the strength found in diversity and the importance of teamwork.

“I first saw this group perform at when I was assistant principal there,” said Neil Pinnock, Principal at River Eves Elementary. “The experience was one we felt could inspire our elementary school students as well.” 

The field of physically integrated dance—that is, dancers with and without disabilities—is defined by many as a relatively young art expression, but is gaining recognition. Founded in 1990 by Douglas Scott, the organization began as a professional, able-bodied modern dance company. However, Scott subsequently began teaching classes for persons with physical disabilities and his interest in working with this population lead to the creation of the physically integrated dance company named Full Radius.

Full Radius was created in May 1998 and commissions and performs work that challenges prevailing attitudes about disability and dance, presenting new movement possibilities and incorporating complex choreography. While many of the dancers are in wheelchairs, that reality is never the point of the work.

The Full Radius Dance Company visit was funded by the River Eves PTA and is the second visit to the school in four years. For more information on Full Radius Dance, visit them online.