The dis/assemble dance project is a partnership between Skills Innovative Training Enterprises (SITE); Artists Tim Podesta, Margot McCallum and Helen Newman; and Murray Arts

Through a six month creative development program, the project worked with disabled and able bodied dancers to create a new multimedia dance piece which explored the changing nature of social connection. The aim of the project was not to create a ‘disability dance piece’, rather to create a dance work which has trust, discovery and joy at its heart.

This project built on an already existing workshop program of teaching dance to people with special needs. The SITE Inc dance program has been providing a recreational program of dance classes for the past four years. During this time, clients worked with Margot McCallum to explore a range of simple jazz, rock and roll, hip hop and theatrical routines.

The project allowed the participants the opportunity to further develop their skill level and community connection by working with able bodied dancers and choreographers to work towards the development of a performance piece. Over the past four years, participants in the SITE dance program showed that they have a commitment to dance, and the ability to contribute to the process of creating a new multimedia dance work. The past enthusiasm, commitment and consistency and tenacity were sound qualifications for their ability to work towards a performance outcome.

There is a natural affinity between disability and the arts. Being creative is not limited by ability, it is only limited by the boundaries we place on ourselves. Dancers with disabilities present a set of boundaries which in turn can inspire and break through conventional thinking and ideas. One of the strengths of this project was the full integration of people with a disability working alongside highly trained young dancers. This full integration has allowed all the dancers to discover that below the surface of each individual there is a humanity which is shared.