Inclusion and accessibility
Many of my offerings are also suitable for people who are physically challenged (post-COVID/vaccine, MS, ME/CFS, etc.), easily overstimulated, visually impaired, or blind, but generally mobile. Being able to stand and walk slowly is a basic requirement. I currently do not offer any offerings for people with significant mobility restrictions.
Currently underway is the project "Dancing in the Dark - Inclusive Couple Dance for Blind, Visually Impaired, and Sighted People," which is also suitable for the aforementioned target groups. Further information can be found below.
The framework is usually open, and I invite you to try anything. If your body needs something different, then seek it out 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 offerings are for you, not against you, and I'm happy to support you.
My concept of couple dancing respects individual needs for physical contact.
Current projects:
Dancing in the Dark - Paartanz inklusiv!
Dates:
Cologne
- August 8, 7-9 p.m. SwinginPool Cologne, Höninger Weg 47a, registration
- Further dates to follow. Cologne Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Hansaring 15
Bonn
- April 24, 5-7 p.m., Bonn Meeting Room, Friedrichstr. 5, registration
- May 18, 3-5 p.m., Bonn Meeting Room, Friedrichstr. 5, registration
No previous knowledge or dance partner is necessary!
Due to the slow, mindful and consensual style of dance and the didactics, the concept is suitable for people from different backgrounds:
- blindness
- Visual impairment
- slight walking difficulties
- neurodivergent perceptions
- psychosocial or emotional stress
- motor or physical limitations
- chronic pain and exhaustion
- marginalized groups, such as queer or non-binary people
- People without known limitations who want to experience dance in a new way
COSTS
I'm asking for a solidarity contribution – between €15 and €40 for a two-hour session, but please pay whatever you can afford. If you'd like to donate more, you can support the participation of others and my work. Thank you!
CONTENTS
We dance with all our senses, except sight. We use and train our senses of touch and balance, hearing, empathy, and body awareness. Basic movements include weight shifting and slow walking. Physical proximity and touch are adapted to individual needs.
All participants will learn elements of leading and following, and the dance couples will rotate. It's possible to commit to a single role or dance partner. However, switching roles and dance partners is a valuable learning experience for gaining a better feel for the dance.
The class covers musicality, strong connection within the dancing couple, and elements from African-American blues dancing. This slow dance offers plenty of room for individual expression. As an African-American dance, it emphasizes improvisation and offers a creative and intense connection between music, soul, body, and fellow dancers.
INFORMATION FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND BLIND PEOPLE
The individuality of each participant is respected and creatively integrated. You can develop a mindful connection with your body and those around you through slow movement and learn to dance through your body awareness. The content is taught in a needs-oriented manner. If desired, it is also possible to feel movements through supportive touch. A pick-up service from the nearest bus or train station is also available upon request. Do you have questions or need a pick-up service?
Please contact me.
INFORMATION FOR SIGHTED PEOPLE
In addition to learning about mindful and consensual couple dancing, you'll gain valuable experience with a variety of people. Wearing eye masks during dance will also help you gain a better understanding of the experiences of your blind and visually impaired fellow dancers.
Videos of the project
On February 2, Dancing in the Dark took place on the dance platform of the Tanzwelten exhibition at the Bundeskunsthalle. WDR was a guest and filmed for the Bonn and Cologne local news stations.
You can find the article here in the WDR Mediathek.
I also created a video of the first workshop (the video description follows under the link):
Video description:
The video features footage of various formats of Dancing in the Dark. First, sighted people dance in a line, wearing eye masks, 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 dancing in pairs. The people without visual impairments dance with eye masks or with their eyes closed. The video ends with a recording of Marisa Sommer, a blind person from the Cologne Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, dancing with me. The video provides a summary of Marisa's experiences in the class.
Further background information on the project
SUPPORT:
Financial and voluntary support is sought for the project.
Would you consider providing support to visually impaired participants at the event venues? Professional training and information materials will be provided for this support.
Or can you or your institution support the project financially? Since I'm a self-employed individual with a severe disability, it's very difficult to obtain funding. I'm grateful for any support!
Do you have questions or would you 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 instructor. With her concept "Tanzsam Tanzen" (Two-Man Dancing) from TanzBildung, she offers innovative approaches to couple dancing. The project "Dancing in the Dark" explicitly supports the diversity-sensitive and resource-oriented development and opening of couple dance classes to people with various disabilities and limitations.
The pilot project was accompanied as part of my research semester for the Dance Studies Masters at the University of Music and Dance.