Propeller Dance
Photo: Stephen Beaton

Propeller Dance

The DanceAbility program run by Shara Weaver, Renata Soutter and Alan Shain is propelling to new heights! After five years of exponential growth, and in the spirit of innovation, after much thought and planning, they decided to form their own independent, non-profit organization. Their new organization is called PROPELLER DANCE.

In 2001, Shara Weaver and Alan Shain created DanceAbility as an outreach program of The School of Dance in Ottawa. It is part of an international network of DanceAbility programs. The program has been featured on Regional Contact on CTV Ottawa, Studio 2 on TVO, The World This Weekend on CBC Radio, along with many written articles in newspapers and magazines. In 2004, the group received the “Best Group Dance Show” of the year from the Ottawa Xpress. The DanceAbility program became independent and incorporated as Propeller Dance to be the only organization in Canada with the sole mandate of providing dance programming to people with and without disability.

Propeller Dance runs integrated arts programme open to all people who choose to dance. Propeller runs DanceAbility classes. A method of dance improvisation, it is inclusive to all people of all ages. It provides the opportunity to experience the joy of movement and the space for each person to express creatively through dance.

Shara Weaver and Renata Soutter teach and direct the program. Alan Shain also directs and dances with the group. A dancer from a young age, Shara received her DanceAbility Teacher Training Certificate in Eugene, Oregon from Alito Alessi in 2005. She has extensive experience teaching and performing West African and improvisational dance. Renata Soutter holds a B.F.A. in contemporary dance and community development and has extensive experience as a choreographer, dancer, teacher and arts administrator. Benjamin Tucker-Firth is a teacher’s assistant for the children’s classes. All classes also feature a live professional musician.

Classes will start in late September 2007

There are two weekly classes on Saturdays for children aged 3 to 12, two evening classes for adults and youth, and a Community Performing Group. All class sites are accessible for people using mobility devices.

During class, participants experience dance and movement concepts facilitated through improvisation, thus allowing each person to make their own independent choices for expression. The program breaks down barriers and stereotypes by focusing on ability. If you breathe, you can dance.

Workshops and performances are available on request for schools, community organizations and professional arts presenters.

For more information contact:
Shara Weaver 613-240-9775 sweaver@magma.ca
Renata Soutter 819-773-7523 soutter@magma.ca