Blog. Company d
Moving to Connect - Darlene Winters, Artistic Director Company d
The Luigi jazz technique is known for its elegant and sophisticated jazz style that enhances the mind-body connection. On Feb. 22nd Luigi’s technique was extended beyond the mind-body connection to connecting two different classes of dancers. Pam Hurley, University of Memphis jazz dance instructor and Darlene Winters of Company d joined their classes to unite in one shared technique. Dancers from different backgrounds and varying levels of training stood shoulder to shoulder in the dance studio on the University of Memphis campus. Although it was just a “dance class” it presented more than just a show of technique. Affirming feedback was given from other dance instructors on staff, students and several Company d parents observing the class. However, Allie Roberts, dance education major best surmised the experience.
“After class began I realized how talented the company was in ways I have never experienced myself. Once I began to talk and interact I learned that these dancers had the same passion and love for dance as I did. It made my heart melt to know that we all shared a passion for dance. It was by far one of my best dance experiences ever.
I wish people could see through the eyes of a dancer. They would then understand the beauty and meaning of movement. As Martha Graham once stated, ‘dance is the song of the body’ that helps to express and depict our feelings and emotions. I will never forget this day it has changed my life.”
Company d is “making a change” one step at a time.
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Published Mar 24, 2008 8:06:00 AM
On the road again
You never know who you will see at the world famous Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, TN. A home to country music, dancing and “limited engagement acts”. Most recently a venue for the VSA arts of Tennessee, sponsored dance showcase. The event on October 26th featured three dance companies “A Moving Experience” from the Orange Grove Center in Chattanooga, TN., Full Radius Dance from Atlanta GA.; comprised of professional dancers with and without disabilities and Company d. The morning program kicked-off to a packed house of 950; an audience of community leaders and students.
No boots were needed for Company d to present their repertoire and receive applause that resounded from the audience through three balcony levels. The performance was a memorable experience for Company d, pre-show warm-up in the green room, sharing the space with the spirit of past artists, professional sound, lighting, and yes even a make-up artist was on hand for the last minute touch-up.
Company d was also able to be in the audience for two exceptional performances from “Moving Experience” and Full Radius an opportunity to deepen their experience in the arts and also to offer praise to the other performers. The morning concluded with an all-dance on the 2500 square foot dance floor and a time for Company d dancers to sign autographs.
The invitation from the VSA arts to participate in the dance showcase exemplified and blended the mission philosophy between the two.
It is the mission of Company d to create awareness that all individuals have talents and gifts. Company d’s performances continue to reveal that when given the time, the training and the encouragement to develop artistic expression that there are many possibilities for growth and that we are all more alike than different.
Published Jan 30, 2008 11:47:00 AM
“Opening Doors” company d summer camp 2007
Company d dancers had the opportunity to “step-up” to a quality workshop this summer. The annual summer camp was held at Hutchison School. Tracey Zerwig FordDirector, Center for Excellence opened their doors to Company d. For the first time the dancers had a dance room, theater and art room available for classes. The setting was perfect for the teaching artists visiting for the week. Francis J. Roach, choreographer and master teacher of the Luigi jazz technique began each day with the Company d dancer in a three hour class. Following a wonderful lunch in the dining hall, the dancers had art with Diedre Seymour of Memphis. The focus of classes this year was print making. The day ended on stage and in the spot light with Tony Horne, theater artist and associate professor of theater at Northwestern University, Chicago. Tony led the dancers in theater based warm-ups, with emphasis on oral language. In addition the dancers worked on building character and working in unison within a story format.
It was an excellent and intensive week for Company d and the curtains dropped on everyone waiting to come together next year.
**Aside from the intensity of training the Company d dancers received that week, they had daily opportunity to reflect the mission of heightening public awareness of their artistic abilities and possibilities
**Luigi, google and learn about the adversity he overcame and still teaching at 82.
Published Jan 30, 2008 11:46:00 AM
"The Dancers"
“The Dancers” a working title that began back in September of 2000, has evolved into a company that consist of fourteen teenagers that represent four high schools, three counties in West Tennessee and a variety of work placement in the community.
Although the demographics may seem widespread, each dancer and parent has faithfully committed their time to weekly classes, extra rehearsals and giving up weekends to be part of a performing arts troupe that has performed at multiple events locally, regionally and nationally. Venues have varied dramatically from paved church parking lots to performing before an audience of a thousand. The mission of Company d has been to create awareness of the talents and gifts of individuals with a disability in the community through the performing arts. The program has sustained and continues to grow into its seventh year because of the shared commitment of the dancers and parents.
It is truly the spirit and belief of all involved that members of Company d not only continue to change and grow in their abilities and artistic skills but in turn have united into “one movement” to impact and grow their audiences.
Darlene Winters
Artistic Director
What’s the d in company d?
dance-drama-design-dedication-discipline-do-determination-dream-devoted-diligent-difficult-
Corinthians 7:7
Published Jan 30, 2008 11:44:00 AM
Company d NDSC 2006
Company d has had many opportunities in the last five years to travel and perform for various audiences in the community and other cities. However attending the NDSC conference in Atlanta was an all encompassing experience for the dancers and families. The dancers spent the first part of their summer in very intense rehearsals to prepare for the performance opening night of the convention. Company d dancers brought the audience to their feet with several standing ovations and dancers were surrounded following their performance with other self-advocates asking for autographs and just wanting to have talk time with each dancer. Although that alone would have made for a great trip, the dancers spent their remaining time at the conference attending seminars and self-advocate sessions. KelseyWakley particularly liked the session on “….learning how to interview for a job”. Kenny Thielemier was the lead teacher in a self-advocate session where Company d was also selected to teach dance. During three sessions each dancer had the experience to take other self-advocates through a dance warm-up, and the basics of building a dance.
While dancers were busy attending self-advocate general sessions on topics such as “Life at College”, “How to get a date and a second date”, parents had multiple choices for expanding their knowledge base and hearing some excellent speakers. The evenings were a special time for the Company d dancers to eat with old and new friends and dance the night away. When the dancers are asked about their trip to Atlanta the responses are a mixture of smiles, “awesome”, and “can’t wait to go next summer”. The NDSCC was a wonderful time for the dancers to be in community, to learn, to be proud and to celebrate with other self-advocates.
Published Jan 30, 2008 11:39:00 AM