DanceAbility, Inclusive, and Integrated Dance: What’s the Difference?
By: Jody John Ramey

Left to right: Jody John Ramey and Kathleen Lynett
performing Solomon and Shulamite at
Oregon Coalition of Dance Blue Sky Benefit Concert, May 13, 2004
Photo (c) 2004 Chris Leck

Thursday, May 13^th 2004, Kathleen Lynett and I performed Solomon and Shulamite, a duet influenced by the loving qualities depicted in the Song of Solomon. I was asked several times if that piece was an example of DanceAbility. The answer is no. DanceAbility is an improvisational form and the dance I choreographed does not fit into this category. Other movement classifications that could be employed are Integrated and Mixed-Ability Dance.

Integrated Dance companies are performance oriented and present the strengths of people with and without disabilities. One of my favorites is the Axis Dance Company (http://www.axisdance.org/). Some companies prefer to use the term Mixed-Ability Dance rather than Integrated Dance when referring to companies such as Axis.

I have an autism spectrum disorder, and Kathleen has a physical disability, which means the terms Mixed Ability and Integrated Dance lack precision regarding my choreographic underpinnings for the May 13^th showing. Furthermore, Integrated Dance companies intentionally feature people with disabilities in every performance and I do not place that restriction on my artistic practice.

In my view the natural evolution of Modern dance will eventually include all people, regardless of age, size, shape, or color. Unique bodies make for an interesting landscape and promote a greater variety of movement possibility. My choreography on the 13^th was Modern/Contemporary, with a Jazz influence, and differs from DanceAbility and Integrated Dance. All forms are valid but each has a distinct quality and is a unique expression of dance.