Dance & Disability, An Impact Beyond the StageJeremy Alliger (US)

Speaking as a presenter and promoter of dance artists with disabilities, Jeremy Alliger talks of the potential of a physically integrated dance community. If "dancers are generally perceived as limitless" and persons with disability as limited, does the "bringing these two groups together redefine virtuosity"? Can we turn on its head the accepted notions of dance, performance and body image and engage in an exploration of new productions?

“Many people initially react to the idea of a disabled dancer as 'less than', as limiting the movement possibilities. I always use the following example as a way to explain, in a way that might resonate more easily with the general public, how wrong that way of thinking can be… imagine a painter suddenly discovering a new color on their palette, one that didn’t exist before. Imagine the huge increase in color variety, shade, hue and creative potential that would represent. That is also the gift of dancers with disabilities… a whole new universe of movement possibilities, a whole new and added variety of tools for the choreographer. Thus, an increase of movement possibilities, not less!”

Jeremy Alliger (US)

Alliger Arts is a producing entity created by Executive Producer Jeremy Alliger dedicated to presenting and promoting artistic endeavors that push boundaries and challenge perceptions, Projects include the creation, touring and presentation of unique artistic events and producing landmark festivals, (including Aerial, Hip Hop, Jazz Tap and Wheelchair). Alliger has received the prestigious Massachusettes Commonwealth Award, the Disability Rights Advocates Eagle Award, and Emerson College’s Alumni Achievement Award. He was a featured speaker at the Kennedy Center’s National Forum on Careers in the Arts for people with Disabilities. Inside Arts Magazine published his essay, “A lasting Impact beyond the Stage“. He has served as a panelist and artistic advisor for a long list of organizations and prestigious Foundations.