The Move To project, led by a group of passionate students from the School of Dance, exemplifies the Academy’s commitment to fostering creativity, inclusivity, and social impact through the arts. This workshop series focused on exploring how people with visual impairments respond to scents and how these responses can enhance their dance movements. By combining scent, improvisation, and dance, the project provided participants with a unique platform for self-expression and emotional liberation. This innovative approach demonstrated how the arts can break barriers, offering participants new ways to connect with themselves, others, and their environment.
The project achieved several key objectives, including redefining the social impact of dance, creating a safe and inclusive environment, and providing a platform for participants to liberate their emotions. Through careful planning and adaptation, the students overcame challenges, such as limited teaching experience with this community, and successfully built trust with their participants. They used thoughtful improvisation techniques and sensory cues to guide participants in expressing creativity and emotion.
We are proud of the students’ dedication to bridging the gap between art and accessibility. By reflecting on their experiences, the student leaders developed a deeper understanding of their role as teaching artists and their responsibility to connect with and serve the community. The project serves as a testament to the transformative power of dance and the importance of inclusive education.