Invest in Disability Artistry

Invest in Disability Artistry

When I was first looking at the opportunity to audition and dance with AXIS Dance Company, I was in complete awe.  I thought, “Wow…I could contribute to this inspiring, important work…through my love of dance…”  As I was envisioning myself in the company, feelings of excitement with butterflies would arise, as well as disbelief of the possibility.  

Come a few months later, and I am immersed in AXIS’ work, preparing for the first tour of the year to New Jersey.  I jumped into the process with eagerness and energy, after a long pause of my dancing regularly, due to the pandemic.  I was learning ASL to incorporate in the dancing, picking up choreography and collaborating in group work and partnering with my new colleagues, and receiving guidance in how to teach workshops that are accessible for all.  

The opportunity is one I never imagined.  

Over the course of this past year in my first season with AXIS, I witnessed and experienced many instances of the impact of AXIS’ work. I was reminded of how our dancing, performing, and teaching fosters unity, empowerment, and contributes to more possibilities for all bodies, people, and dance.

From performing on stages and bringing dance to communities across the country, as well as meeting dancers and students in the classroom and workshops who are disabled, non-disabled, visually-impaired, neurodivergent, wheel-chair users, prosthetic or cane users, and movers of all shapes, sizes, and abilities – we are bringing accessible dance to more people in the world, making it an available experience for all. 

It is incredibly rewarding to witness my fellow peers' and students’ empowerment through the ability to move, dance, and create. Where many people who move through this world might feel inhibited by their bodily limitations in their day-to-day, we demonstrate how they and you too, any body, can dance.  It is possible. Working in an integrated dance company has shown me the possibility of disability in dance, and how movement and creation enables us to do more than we might have imagined.  I am excited to share and present our work in our performances on stage, and I am learning how I can help bring the joy of dance to all through effectively teaching accessible dance classes and facilitating connection.  Overall, AXIS pushes us to go above and beyond, and reveal the beauty of difference.

AXIS is seeking donations to help us continue moving forward in redefining dance and disability on stages, dance studios, classrooms and virtually – across the country and the world.   You make our work possible.

To continue AXIS' forward momentum in 2023, we're raising $20,000 by the end of the year.  Your donations will allow us to continue to carry out our mission of breaking barriers and instilling unity in dance.  

Please consider making a donation today.  Suggested donations are from $25 to $200. Each gift, big or small, brings us closer to our goal and supports our mission.  Even just one dollar will make a difference.  

Thank you for helping us continue to reveal the possibility of disability and the beauty of difference.  

Be well, and Happy Holidays.

With Gratitude,

Zara

Photo by Doug Kaye of Asun Noales' Desiderata.
Dancers: JanpiStar and Zara Anwar
Image Description: Janpi holds Zara's hand to their face, and brings their other hand to the back of her head. The dancers are side by side with Zara kneeling alongisde Janpi in midstep.  Janpi wears yellow pants, both wear beige tops, and Zara wears wide-leg brown capris.Photo by Steve Disenhof of Asun Noales' Desiderata.
Dancers: David Calhoun and Zara Anwar
Image Description: David supports Zara with their hand on her mid back, as Zara jumps straight up into the air, arching her back into David's hands.  David wears a yellow jacket and gray pants, Zara wears a beige shirt and brown wide-leg capris.Photo by Hiromi Platt of Nadia Adame's Historias Rotas.
Dancers: Alaja Badalich, Louisa Mann, Zara Anwar, JanpiStar
Image Description: Dancers are placed in a line on the diagonal.  Zara catches Louisa as she leaps into Zara's arms upside down.  Alaja's shape has outstretched limbs like a star, and JanpiStar sees the lift with an outstretched arm.Banner Photo by David DeSilva of Louisa Mann, David Calhoun, Alaja Badalich, Dawn States, Zara Anwar, JanpiStar.

Image Description: Six disabled and non-disabled dancers pose in white clothes against a rainbow gradient backdrop. The dancers reach, balance and extend various limbs in different directions as they connect to each other.