Inclusion and accessibility
A large part of my offerings are also suitable for people who are physically challenged (post Covid/Vac, MS, ME/CFS, etc.), easily overstimulated, visually impaired or blind, but generally mobile. Being able to stand and walk slowly is a basic requirement. Unfortunately, I currently have no offerings for people with significant mobility restrictions.
The project Dancing in the dark - inclusive couple dancing for blind, visually impaired and sighted people is currently running and is also suitable for the target groups mentioned above. Further information can be found below.
The framework is usually kept open and I invite you to try everything. If your body needs something different, then look for it and do it. This could be different movements or, for example, creating the framework you need on the sidelines or away from the event. My offers are for you, not against you and I am happy to support you.
My concept of couple dancing respects individual needs for physical contact.
Current projects:
Dancing in the Dark - Paartanz inklusiv!
This offer is aimed at visually impaired and blind people who are generally mobile. Sighted people are very welcome. No previous knowledge or dance partner is necessary!
CONTENTS
We dance with all senses except sight. We use and train our sense of touch and balance, hearing, empathy and body awareness.
All participants learn elements of leading and following, and the dance couples rotate. It is possible to commit to one role or one dance partner. However, changing roles and dance partners is a valuable learning experience to get a better feel for the dance. Physical proximity and touch are adapted to individual needs.
The lessons cover musicality, good connection between the dancing couple and elements from the African-American blues dance. This slow dance offers plenty of space for individual, dance-based expression. As an African-American dance, it emphasizes improvisation and offers a creative and intense connection between music, soul, body and fellow dancers.
Due to the slow and mindful movements and the special didactics, the concept is also suitable for people with the following backgrounds:
- Chronic pain
- Motor or physical limitations
- Neurodivergent perceptions
- Psychosocial or emotional stress
- marginalised groups, such as queer or non-binary people
- People without known impairments who want to experience dance in a new ways
INFORMATION FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND BLIND PEOPLE
The individuality of all participants is respected and creatively integrated. You can slowly develop a mindful connection with your body and those around you and learn to dance through your body awareness. The content is taught in a needs-oriented manner. If desired, it is of course also possible to feel movements through supportive touch. A pick-up service from the nearest bus or train stop is also possible. Do you have any questions or need a pick-up service? Please contact me.
INFORMATION FOR SIGHTED PEOPLE
In addition to getting to know mindful couple dancing, you will also gain valuable experience with people. With eye masks, you can also gain a better feeling for the experiences of your fellow dancers.
Video description:
The video shows recordings of various formats of Dancing in the Dark. For example, sighted people wearing eye masks dance in a row like a polonaise and sense the movements of the person in front of them. Then there are two videos of people with and without visual impairments doing couple dancing together. The video ends with a recording of the blind Marisa Sommer from the Cologne Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, who dances with me. In the video you can hear a summary of the experiences that Marisa had in the class.
Further background information on the project
SUPPORT:
Financial and voluntary support is sought for the project.
Can you imagine providing support to visually impaired participants at the event locations? There will be professional instructions and information materials available for this support.
Or can you or your institution support the project financially? Since I am self-employed as an individual with my own severe disability, it is very difficult to receive funding. I am grateful for any support!
Do you have questions and would like to get involved? Please contact me.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROJECT
The director, Friederike Reif, is a sighted person, experienced social worker and dance teacher. With her concept of Dancing Together from TanzBildung, she offers innovative approaches to couple dancing. The Dancing in the Dark project explicitly supports the resource-oriented further development and opening of couple dancing lessons for visually impaired and blind people. The project origins took place as part of the research semester of the Dance Studies Masters at the University of Music and Dance.