2021 Annual Report

Dance for All Bodies (DfAB) is a non-profit that organizes inclusive dance classes designed for people with disabilities.

We are dismantling ableism in the world one dance class at a time!

A lineup of six people in various dancing poses. From left to right: Woman sitting on a wheel chair with one hand pointing up. Woman sitting on a chair clapping her hands. Woman dancing with arms out. Woman with prosthetic leg dancing with one arm up and one arm down. Man sitting on a wheel chair dancing with arms flaring to the side. Man dancing with arms wide open.

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The Problem

Limited availability of dance classes accessible to the disability community, especially for disabled adults.

The ableist belief that dance is only for the non-disabled.

How We Approach

the Problem

Organizing online dance classes that prioritize inclusion and accessibility in multiple dance styles.

Hallmarks of Access in Our Classes

Access is not a one size fits all. We are continuing to expand our understanding and embodiment of access every day.

Dance pedagogy that centers people with disabilities

A drum with drumsticks and saxophone surrounded by two musical note icons.

ASL interpretation and closed captioning for Deaf and Hard of Hearing participants

Two hands gesturing dance in ASL surrounded by two musical note icons.

Audio descriptions of dance movements for blind and low-vision participants

Two dialogue bubbles with scribble lines surrounded by two musical note icons.

Financial Access: Donation based classes, $5-15

A box and a coin surrounded by two musical note icons.

Taught completely online:

no travel demands, classes can be taken in home/living space

Two computer screens each showing a person dancing surrounded by two musical note icons.

Why Inclusive Dance Classes are Important

Inclusive dance classes allow people of all abilities to benefit from dance, which is a powerful tool that can:

• Promote community building

• Enhance motivation & create a sense of well-being

• Improve physical strength and balance

Source: Dance as a Therapy for Cancer Prevention. Dance Training Improves Nervous System Coordination, Balance: Study.

A group of two dancers. Person on the left is moving her whole body and snapping fingers. Person on the right is in an automatic wheelchair moving her upper body and waving her arms.

Our Impact

77

dance classes

977

people reached

16

event partnerships

91%

of participants felt included

72%

of participants felt an increase in emotional state

60%

of participants felt an increase in physical fitness

88%

of participants felt good about overall accessibility

Demographics

80% of participants have physical/mobility disabilities, with 13% of participants identified as having multiple disabilities, including:

• 19% reported mobility/physical disabilities

• 13% reported Spina Bifida

• 3% reported blindness/vision impairment/low vision

• 4% identified as Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing

81% of participants reported that they use assistive devices, including:

• 39% use manual or power wheelchairs

• 36% use canes, walkers or crutches

• 6% use prosthetic or orthotic devices

A group of two people with arms wide open. Person on the left is crouching and has a prosthetic leg liner. Person on the right is sitting in a wheel chair.

Our Participants Love Us

72% of our dance participants came back to take another class.

“After my first dance class in two years with Janpi Star in Salsa, the class gave me the opportunity to learn about my body again.

The space was inclusive and non-judgmental and opened my eyes that dancing does not always have to be two feet on the ground. I was in tune with my body and though I have to dance seated in order to maintain coordination and balance, I was able to dance freely.

Dance for All Bodies views its participants as dancers, not patients, disabled, or victims. Dance is utilized to create community, respect, inclusiveness, and creativity by supporting participants to express emotions, relieve stress, and mitigate isolation. Dance for All Bodies lifts spirits, creates a positive vibe, and empowers its dancers.”

Jenny Herges, dance participant and volunteer