About Axis dance company
Axis Dance Company: Redefining the Art of Dance
AXIS Dance Company is a trailblazing dance ensemble that has been redefining the art of dance for over three decades. Founded in 1987, AXIS is one of the nation's most acclaimed ensembles of disabled and non-disabled performers. The company has been at the forefront of contemporary dance, pushing boundaries and challenging perceptions about what it means to be a dancer.
At AXIS, we believe that everyone can dance. We collaborate with disabled and non-disabled artists to create virtuosic productions that showcase the beauty and power of diversity. Our performances are not only visually stunning but also emotionally moving, as they explore themes such as identity, inclusion, and social justice.
Our Mission
The mission of AXIS Dance Company is to change lives through dance by creating opportunities for people with disabilities to participate fully in the arts. We strive to promote disability culture and challenge societal norms about what it means to be "able-bodied." Our goal is to inspire audiences around the world with our innovative choreography and powerful performances.
Our Approach
At AXIS, we believe that disability should not limit artistic expression or creativity. Instead, we embrace diversity as a source of inspiration for our work. We collaborate with dancers who have physical disabilities such as spinal cord injuries or cerebral palsy, as well as those who are able-bodied.
Our approach involves breaking down barriers between different types of bodies by creating choreography that highlights each dancer's unique abilities rather than their limitations. This approach allows us to create performances that are both technically impressive and emotionally resonant.
Our Performances
AXIS Dance Company has performed all over the world in venues ranging from small community centers to large theaters. Our productions have received critical acclaim from audiences and critics alike for their innovation, artistry, and inclusivity.
One example is our production "Radical Impact," which explores themes related to social justice through movement. The piece features dancers performing on crutches or wheelchairs alongside able-bodied dancers in an electrifying display of athleticism and grace.
Another example is "to go again," which was created during the COVID-19 pandemic when live performances were impossible due to social distancing guidelines. The piece was filmed remotely using Zoom technology but still managed to capture all the energy and emotion associated with an AXIS performance.
In addition to our live performances, we also offer workshops for aspiring dancers with disabilities or those interested in inclusive dance practices.
Conclusion
AXIS Dance Company represents a new era in contemporary dance where diversity is celebrated rather than ignored or stigmatized. By collaborating with disabled artists alongside able-bodied ones, we have created some truly groundbreaking works that challenge traditional notions about what it means to be a dancer or performer.
We hope you will join us on this journey towards greater inclusivity in art by attending one of our shows or participating in one of our workshops!