National Dance Association

NDA Announces Dancing Wheels Master Class

The National Dance Association announces the fabulous AAHPERD convention master class: "New Approaches to Physically-Integrated Dance Training" presented  by Mary Verdi-Fletcher and Mark T. Tomasic of the  Dancing Wheels Company and School. Presented by founder Mary Verdi-Fletcher and contributing artistic consultant Marc T. Tomasic.

If dance is an expression of the human spirit, then it is best expressed by people of all abilities. That is the fundamental belief behind the Dancing Wheels Company & School. Considered one of the premier arts and disabilities organizations in the U.S., Dancing Wheels is a professional, physically integrated dance company uniting the talents of dancers both with and without disabilities.

Participants in this movement workshop will gain an enriched understanding of new approaches to physically integrated dance training (disabled and non-disabled concurrent dance practice) based on modern dance training principles, scientific research into the physiological parameters of wheelchair users, and physical rehabilitation methods. Participants are guided through physically integrated warm-up, center practice, locomotor, and stretching segments. The workshop is geared toward dance educators, physical education instructors, and others interested in physically integrated dance.

Mary Verdi-Fletcher, the first professional wheelchair dancer in the U.S., founded the Dancing Wheels Company in Cleveland in 1980. Born with spina bifida, Mary wanted to offer others with disabilities full and equal access into the world of dance. An almost unimaginable concept at the time, Mary's vision and passion have since helped to revolutionize our very notion of dance – as well as what defines a dancer. Mark Tomasic, former Dancing Wheels Company member and now contributing artistic consultant, recently received his Master of Fine Arts degree from UC Irvine's Claire Trevor School of the Arts.

To date, the Dancing Wheels Company's inspirational mission has touched over 4.5 million people through performances, school assemblies, residencies and workshops. Millions more have enjoyed their artistry via appearances on CNN, Good Morning America, and the TV special "Christopher Reeve: A Celebration of Hope."

Date and Time TBA

For additional information about the Dancing Wheels Company and School: http://dancingwheels.org/