Threshold Dance Theater Expressive Movement Philosophy for
Differently-abled Individuals
“Disability is not a “brave struggle” or “courage in the face of adversity”………..disability is an art. It’s an ingenious way to live.” - Neil Marcus
Non-verbal communication between human beings existed before speech. Children communicate and explore the environment with their bodies. First through body language before verbal language develops. This language of movement is inherently known and understood by all children. Movement expresses moods, and opposed to the spoken word, always bears the imprint of sincerity.
Children who, due to physical, developmental or psychological problems have limited means of both verbal and non-verbal communication can benefit from creative movement techniques as a way to overcome barriers, find a way to express themselves and establish relationships. Just because a person has limited use of their extremities due to illness or accident does not mean they have lost the joy of movement. The creative movement experience for the differently-abled person is about movement for the pure joy of movement.
If we view the human body as a vessel, and rhythmic movement as the medium, our receptive systems – Kinesthetic (body), Pro-prioceptive (inner stimuli/response), vestibular (gravity sensing), auditory(hearing), and visual(sight) can be affected and changed. Movement can serve as a mediator, intervening to organize and/or reorganize the neurological basis of cognitive, physical, and emotional functions to facilitate change and enhance well being.
The creative movement studio environment provides an atmosphere of acceptance and empathy through nonverbal interactions and the mirroring of developmental movement patterns. At TDT, we recognize and acknowledge differences, look to discover similarities, and challenge unwelcome and limiting constraints imposed by negative assumptions and conventions. Any movement, no matter how small, if driven by spirit, possesses a great communicative power.
Parents & siblings are encouraged to participate in the movement sessions as an avenue to foster greater trust and empathy between child and family, to support the child’s movement progression, and to strengthen the child’s movement resources so the child is better able to cope with challenges in the environment. When parents support their child’s expression of movement development in the home environment, positive results can be felt in all aspects of interaction.
Group classes $15 per 45 minute session see TDT schedule
Private Sessions $35 per half hour session call for appointment
with the Director
