Open Circles, Open Doors
Dance Exchange is thrilled to share that we’ll be participating in Open Circles, Open Doors, an afternoon of workshops on Saturday, March 26 from 2:00-6:30pm at the Kennedy Center.
The event is designed to share skills and build a network of artists with disabilities and allies at the Kennedy Center. Come join us for workshops in improv, circus skills, photography, and dance followed by a panel discussing disability justice in the arts. Hosted by Open Circle Theatre, the event also includes ArtStream, Omnium Circus, Dance Place, Story Tapestries, and Greater Depth Media.
The day includes:
2:10pm-2:50pm | Circus Skills
Immerse yourself in the art of circus. Omnium Circus will share basic circus arts including juggling, balance, plate spinning and more. These skills engage both body and mind! When we know our own bodies we can further tap into our best selves.
3:00pm-3:40pm | Cell Phone Photography
Create images that address our lived experience as people with disabilities and allies with Greater Depth Media and Story Tapestries. Practice practical and accessible ways to take better photos as we unlock the creative power of cell phone photography.
Age range: 13 and up
Please bring a device to take photos with
We want to make this workshop as accessible as possible and understand/know that cell phones photography does not work for everyone. We will work with you to find creative solutions such as accessible settings like voice commands or have volunteers on hand in case you need someone to hold your device while you direct.
3:50pm-4:30pm | Improv
Explore improv with ArtStream where you will have fun thinking on your feet, honing your listening skills, increasing flexibility and risk taking, sharpening your observation ability, and enhancing problem solving and creativity.
5:00pm-5:40pm | Dance & Movement
Move with Dance Exchange and Open Circle Theatre who will invite and guide community members to create a dance together about the history of the civil rights of people with disabilities and the current lived experiences of having a disability in 2022.
Age range: 13 and up
Please wear clothing that you can move in and any equipment that will allow you to move as freely and flexibly as possible
5:50pm-6:30pm | Performance
Performance and exhibition of the day's work and a panel discussion on the topic of disability justice in the arts hosted by Dance Place with Ben Levine, Suzanne Richard, Mervin Primeaux-O’Bryant, and Jessica Wallach.
Learn more:
Explore upcoming opportunities and events from these Open Circles, Open Doors partners.
Dance & Disability Residency at Dance Place:
Dance Place announces a call for applicants for a residency opportunity open to artists who identify as disabled* and are based in the Washington, DC region. Dance Place’s Dance & Disability Residency provides 40 hours of rehearsal space over one week and an honorarium of $4,000, plus an additional accessibility stipend of $1,000.00. Technical and production support is not provided. Application is due Friday, March 25, 2022. Applicants will be notified of their selection status in April 2022.
ArtStream:
Experience both in-person and online performances of 'The Greatest Show Under the Sea' and 'Pandora's Labyrinth' on March 25, 26, 27, 31; April 1 & 2 from ArtStream, which creates collaborative performance and lifelong learning opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.