A dancer spun in a perfect spiral, beads of sweat rolled down his forehead as danced in his wheelchair. A dancer with a cane launched herself into the air, while another dancer waiting below leapt up to catch her.

John Spicer, Axis Dance Company.

Dancers with and without disabilities collaborated with Axis Dance Company for dance anywhere® 2014. Since 2005 Axis, a physically integrated company from the Bay Area, has performed for dance anywhere® in museums, parks and public spaces across the US. Shonsheree Giles, Associate Director, dancer and choreographer for Axis described dance anywhere as an educational, inspiring and delightful event that the company looks forward to each year. “dance anywhere® is a wonderful way to celebrate dance in the present moment and to remind people that dance can happen anytime, anywhere.”

Axis Dance Company

 This year, Axis performed their improvisation score ‘Falling Up’ in front of City Hall in Oakland, CA. The city backdrop and historic architecture inspired new improvisational possibilities for the dancers. Said Shonsheree, “the architecture framed the dance, making a dynamic backdrop to dance within.” As the dancers, in wheelchairs, sneakers and boots, navigated the expansive plaza they created layers of motion against each other and the surroundings. “I enjoyed the complex foreground and background that naturally coalesced and gave the dance another layer”.

Axis Dance Company

 To Shonsheree, a highlight of dance anywhere® is collaboration with other dancers. “I enjoy the listening and trust that develops amongst us each time we share an experience like dance anywhere® together”. This year Axis invited community members to join their dance anywhere® experience. Because many community members were familiar with the score of ‘Falling Up’ they were “able to take some creative risks and play with the setting and structure”.

Gary Sexton, Axis Dance Company.

 “I love dancing in downtown Oakland because of the diverse population it inevitably attracts”. dance anywhere® is an opportunity for Axis to share their work with communities who may not otherwise be familiar with the company or physically integrated dance. “People often get excited and want to see more of our dancing and/or come take classes with us”. This year passers-by danced with Axis as they moved through the performance space. “For a short moment these people were directly a part of the dance”. Public performance sparks Shonsheree’s curiosity about movement, space, people and the possibilities that can arise in these settings. “Magic can happen and dance anywhere® presents the perfect opportunity for that to be possible”. 

For more information on Axis Dance Company view their website or dance anywhere® page