Partners
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Training in the Method
of Dance Instruction
D.D. DanceDisability
X.A. ΧορόςΑναπηρία
DanceDisability — A Greek arts-pedagogical methodology for teaching dance
DanceDisability is a Greek arts-pedagogical methodology for teaching dance, which was developed as a distinct methodological approach in 2014, through a long-standing course of artistic, educational, and research practice.
This journey began in 1987 with the establishment of Maria Karapanagioti’s dance school (the creator of this methodology) and developed from 2006 onward through the creation and activities of the artistic group “Dryades en Plo”.
DanceDisability developed gradually through its systematic application in real educational and artistic settings, with children, adolescents, and adults, with and without disabilities. It has been applied in dance schools, schools and educational institutions, educational programs, structures and services for people with disabilities, cultural activities, artistic productions, and performances.
DanceDisability views dance not only as a form of artistic expression, but also as a means of education, creation, communication, and social participation. Its fundamental principle is that the educational process can be adapted to the abilities, needs, and individual characteristics of each participant, creating conditions for active participation and artistic expression.
The methodology combines elements of “ChoroChroma” (DanceColor), Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Primitive Expression Dance Therapy (EP), contemporary dance, improvisation, and choreographic composition, together with principles of experiential and arts-pedagogical approaches, forming a unified framework for application.
DanceDisability is not limited to teaching dance to people with disabilities. It is applied in mixed groups of people with and without disabilities, as well as in different formal and non-formal educational, social, and artistic environments.
Within this framework, the methodology can be used to develop motor, creative, expressive, and social skills through active participation in the dance and artistic process.
From 2014 to the present, DanceDisability has been applied, among other settings, in::
• dance schools,
• schools and educational institutions,
• educational programs and seminars,
• groups of people with and without disabilities,
• structures and services serving people with disabilities,
• artistic productions and performances,
• cultural and social activities.
An important field of application and development of the methodology is the International Dance Festival Disability (IDFD), which began in 2014 as a Panhellenic Meeting of Dance Groups of People with and without Disabilities and developed into an international cultural institution. Through its activities, workshops, and artistic productions, it creates opportunities for people with and without disabilities to meet and collaborate through dance.
At the same time, the methodology has served as the basis for the training of DanceDisability Tutors, who have been trained in its principles and tools and can, according to the prescribed educational process, apply them in different educational and artistic environments.
DanceDisability has a long history of application, education, and artistic practice, which has gradually shaped its content, principles, and tools.
The systematic documentation, study, and scientific substantiation of its history, philosophy, pedagogical principles, methodological structure, and applications constitutes the next stage of its development.
This process is ongoing and is connected with the collection, documentation, and processing of the educational and artistic material produced throughout the method’s development to date.
The training is addressed to:
• educators,
• dance teachers and instructors,
• choreographers and artists,
• dance therapists and professionals working in arts-based therapy,
• professionals and staff working in healthcare, rehabilitation, and disability services,
• adult educators,
• students and graduates from relevant academic and artistic fields,
• and anyone interested in learning about and applying the DanceDisability methodology.
No previous experience working with people with disabilities is required.
The program will be implemented through blended learning, combining in-person training with online sessions on specific topics.
ChoroChroma (DanceColor) is one of the main pillars of DanceDisability and connects color, music, movement, and creative expression.
Through experiential and movement-based activities, color functions as a stimulus for observation, imagination, emotional and physical expression, and creation.
The approach is used as a tool for designing activities and lessons adapted to the abilities and needs of participants.
Dalcroze Eurhythmics is a key pillar of the training and explores the relationship between music, rhythm, and movement.
Through experiential exercises, participants are invited to perceive rhythm through the body, connect auditory perception with movement, and develop motor and creative responses to musical stimuli.
In DanceDisability, the principles of Dalcroze Eurhythmics are used flexibly and adapted to the abilities of each participant and each group.
Contemporary Dance is a key movement and artistic pillar of DanceDisability.
The training includes elements of technique, movement flow, dynamics, space, and the relationship of the body to gravity, as well as movement practices that can lead to individual and group creation.
The approach is not based on requiring a single unified movement execution, but on enabling each body to participate and develop its own movement expression
Primitive Expression Dance Therapy is one of the experiential pillars of DanceDisability.
Through rhythm, movement, repetition, the use of simple movement patterns, and improvisation, the possibilities for expression and communication through the body are explored.
Within DanceDisability, elements of the approach are used as movement and creative tools, adapted to the composition, abilities, and needs of each group.
Improvisation and Creative Movement are a key field of exploration and creation.
Through movement stimuli, games, music, images, objects, spatial relationships, and interaction with others, participants experiment with movement and develop personal movement material.
In DanceDisability, improvisation functions as a process of discovery rather than a search for a “correct” movement, allowing different ways of participating and expressing oneself.
Choreographic Composition is the field in which movement and creative material is organized into a complete artistic proposal.
Participants learn to select, organize, and connect movements, rhythms, music, spatial relationships, and movement ideas, creating small or larger choreographic compositions.
Within DanceDisability, the choreographic process can lead to the creation of a shared dance work by people with and without disabilities, respecting the different abilities and different ways of expression of each participant.
At the end of each cycle of the program, trainees will prepare a teaching plan.
Professional Development - Training cycles leading to certification in teaching the DanceDisability method by Dryades en Plo
Introduction to the main pillars of the method, for those who want to become familiar with it.
Theory and practice in the pillars of the method.
Theory and practice in the pillars of the method.
Choreography for groups of people with and without disabilities.
A method for teaching sciences through art
An educational tool
for students and educators
People who have met, trained, and created through DanceDisability.
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The many years of DanceDisability have created a large circle of people who have participated in seminars, training programs, workshops, artistic activities, and applications of the method.
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People who can participate in the Network are those who:
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To document this journey, to learn where the people who participated are today, what they are doing, and how their relationship with DanceDisability has evolved.
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DanceDisability has developed through its continuous application in different educational, social, and artistic environments.
“Dryades en Plo”, through the activities and training in the DanceDisability methodology, collaborates with institutions and organizations for education, professional development, and the development of artistic and educational activities.
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Collaborations include, among others:
• dance schools and groups,
• schools and educational settings,
• disability institutions and services,
• Centers of Creative Activities for Children and Centers of Creative Activities for Children with Disabilities,
• Day care centers and other social care organizations,
• associations and organizations,
• Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning Centers and educational institutions,
• university and academic environments,
• cultural institutions and organizations,
• artistic groups and creators.
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Activities may include educational programs, professional development seminars, workshops, dance classes, artistic collaborations, creation of dance works, and co-organization of activities.
In many cities across Greece with local partners.
Individual sessions for all forms of disability, with the aim of activation, therapy, and education through the art of dance.
Dancers with disabilities collaborate in dance groups with people without disabilities, enriching one another.
In this way, the inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in dance groups is achieved.
