01/05/2023
WELCOME TO OUR NEW EVENT - DANCE JAM!! Join us for a monthly inclusive dance event for people with disabilities and their families and friends. It's important to note that this is an event focused on self-expression through dance (not a dance class) and a chance to build community through the arts! This is our three month plan for our launch and here's what our winter dance jams will look like:
When - Friday evenings January 13, Feb 10, and March 17 from 6pm to 7:30 pm. Who doesn't want to go dancing on a Friday night?
Where - Calvary Baptist Church at 2608 Blaisdell Ave, Minneapolis MN 55408 in the basement Glanton Hall space. The venue is ADA accessible and located just blocks from Eat Street, so plan on making a night of it and getting some good food before or after! There are two church parking lots against the west and south sides, accessible parking spots, as well as ample street parking.
Who - People with disabilities, their family, friends, teachers, neighbors. People with increased support needs can plan on having a family member or a PCA stay for the event. So while it's not a drop-off event, it is definitely a get-down event.
What - Co-director Colleen Ueland (a veteran dancer, choreographer and adaptive dance leader) will guide jammers through roughly 45 minutes of dance games, improv, and movement suggestions - then the last bit will be a free dance to the cool tunes. Jammers can watch, participate, or bop on their own as well as engage with the group. No pressure. Veteran theater performer, disability advocate/mom, and co-director Jennifer Baldwin Peden adds support, organization, problem-solving and decidedly wacky dance moves.
Sensory Details - the space has a concrete floor, so a good pair of gym shoes are required. We plan on having the lights up but not bright with some twinkle lights in the space for mood. The music will be up for jamming so a pair of headphones would be appropriate for those who need to muffle the music's volume.
Cost? During our launch, there is no fee. If we do add a yearly or per-session fee, we plan on keeping costs low and we can accommodate those who aren't in a position to pay.
What next? Stay tuned for more posts as we try to introduce our event to different communities and get the word out. We hope to add a website and other good things. If you want to offer your time to help us with some of our goals or donations to lift this thing off the ground, please reach out!
