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Organization History Positive Motion MAD Festival
Disability touches one in five families in the United States, and it knows no economic status, racial or gender restrictions. Recent studies have shown that art, and particularly dance, is beneficial in developing both motor and cognitive skills that carry through into all aspects of daily living and learning. This is true for individuals with disabilities as well. Still, many people (including families!) perceive that for these individuals, dance is not an art form that they can enjoy. Full Radius Dance, through its Positive Motion dance program, dismisses this notion and brings the artistry of dance to everyone.

For many children with disabilities and their parents, the day-to-day activities of living often neglect the creative side of the child. Dance is one of the best activities for a dynamic child that encompasses the body, mind and artistic spirit. The Positive Motion dance program provides a supportive learning environment for children with and without disabilities to explore the world of dance by using classical modern dance techniques that are adapted by Mr. Scott to the varying capabilities of class participants. Rather than taking a therapeutic approach to movement, Mr. Scott focuses on the artistic qualities of dance.

Positive Motion is currently the only program in the Metropolitan Atlanta area concentrating on dance for youth with physical disabilities. Annie Maxwell, director of the Center for the Visually Impaired STARS youth program says "The classes have helped visually impaired students in many areas - directionality, following instructions, balancing, and moving with a purpose. These skills are all very vital and are sometimes quite difficult to get across; however, Mr. Douglas' approach has made learning these skills fun, thus easier." Students with differing disabilities find similar benefits, and all students discover a creative outlet through movement. For the majority, this is an area previously unexplored.

Margo Gathright-Dietrich rediscovered dance through the Positive Motion dance program. She says, "The Positive Motion classes taught me new stretches, encouraged me to consistently set stronger movement goals, and excited me emotionally. I could hardly wait for next Saturday so I could dance again! After about a year, my physical therapist said she had never seen me in such great shape. She also told me I was the only one of her post-polio syndrome clients who had regained so much of the strength they'd lost." Margo, now a professional dancer with Full Radius Dance, goes on to say, "As my work with Full Radius Dance progresses, I discover more about myself. Dancing feeds my soul in a way nothing else can. Equally important as breaking down these structural barriers, I've conquered my own attitudinal barriers. Now when faced with a new challenge, instead of feeling weighted down, my spirit just soars! I can accomplish anything -- maybe differently than others -- but beautifully."

For current schedule and registration, or for information on bringing Positive Motion to your school, organization, or business, please contact us.

An Atlanta class is currently open for registration.

Programs:

School Residencies:
lecture demonstrations, movement classes and workshops presented to the full student poppulation. These sessions focus on positive self-identity and self-realization and show how everyone, including persons with disabilties, can be creative and express themselves through the art of dance. Full Radius presents a meaningful, non-judgemental way to address these issues and gets students involved in confronting physical obstacles or negative beliefs about self-image and identity, while providing an opportunity for a child’s creative side to emerge.

Download our K-5 study guide for Positive Motion school performances.

Lecture Demonstrations:
A 35-minute presentation which offers an overview of physically integrated dance technique, audience participation, and several dance works informally presented.

Master Classes:
One and a half-hour technique classes that touch on the basics of physically integrated technique, including warm-up, center floor & traveling exercises, as well as partnering. These can be geared to all age ranges and all levels of ability.

Teacher Training:
Workshops can take the form of lectures and/or master classes focusing on Full Radius Dance's theory and philosophy of integrated dance technique and/or practical workshop sessions.

Performance Workshops:
Performance workshops and residencies (ranging from four to fourteen days) involve taking a group of participants through the process of creating, rehearsing and performing original work. The work is then performed for an invited audience.

Corporate / Business Diversity Training:
The centerpiece of this program is a 35-minute performance incorporating dance and theatre that highlights the strengths found in diversity and the importance of teamwork. Full Radius Dance can accompany the performance with a workshop geared to your needs, including ADA compliance, sensitivity and awareness training, and tactics for building, and operating, as a successful team.


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