IN|FORM | Everyone Can Dance
Contributed by Annabelle Busine, All Abilities Australia
We are surrounded by diversity and differences. It is what makes life interesting and exciting. We are all different from each other. We all have our strengths and our weaknesses. But inside we all have hopes, dreams and goals. I believe and know that everyone can dance.
My name is Annabelle Busine. I am fortunate enough to have grown up with a lot of exposure to dancing and the arts. I started ballet when I was four years old, and never stopped. I was lucky enough to learn many other styles of dance as well. After I finished high school, I went on to study Behavioural Sciences, Special Education and Auslan (Australian Sign Language), becoming qualified in all areas. I had a dream that my two areas of passion, dance and disability, could one day be combined. From this dream, along with the with the combined visions of other Brisbane dancers Catherine Proctor and Georgia Mackellar, All Abilities Australia was born.
All Abilities Australia is a dance school that individualises teaching methods and classes for each individual. Everyone can dance, if they have a dream and a passion for it. We are the vehicle to bring out these goals.
We have students who come to us with many different disabilities including students on the Autism Spectrum, students with intellectual or physical disabilities, students with complex medical needs, students with vision impairment, and students who are d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing. For some of our students, their disability is an integral part of their identity and a great source of pride. For some of our students, it is just another part of them, and it is not how they choose to identify. It is our role as their dance teachers to respect this and adapt our teaching for them.
There are no prerequisites for dance. Walking is not a prerequisite. Talking is not a prerequisite. It is our job as dance teachers to meet students where they are at and work with them. Diversity is a fact; but inclusion is an act.
I have personally seen dance have a massive impact in the lives of our students. Dance has helped our students increase their physical strength and gross motor skills. Dance has been a way for students to work on their numeracy skills and memory. I have seen students go from being too shy to look at anyone to dancing on the stage, smiling broadly. These skills are transferable from dance class to the rest of their lives.
Dancers with disabilities need representation throughout the Arts community. All of our students have a lot to offer. We are past the days when dance had a narrow definition. Everyone can dance.