Why Dance?

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, who danced professionally with Full Radius Dance from 1995 until 2004, 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."