“d” Is For Dance Host Barry Scott
The dance begins - an art form of expressing emotions and ideas... an ancient and ageless way to communicate without saying a word. In every performance, the dancers of Company d are amazing and special. Because every one of them lives with the challenge of Down Syndrome.
This unique dance company from Memphis had its beginning as a one-time-only dance routine for graduates of an early intervention program for children with Down Syndrome. The success of that led parents to create an ongoing effort with Company d artistic director, Darlene Winters.
And Company d has been going ever since. This group of dedicated young people sign a letter of commitment, push themselves through exhausting rehearsals, and travel to perform at venues in cities like St. Louis, Atlanta, and New York. These ‘challenged’ people raise themselves to take on even more challenges. But these dancers are doing more than learning the art of movement to music - they’re learning how to live.
It’s the parameters of what I call- even though we’re under the umbrella of dance - the life skills. Because they’ve had to learn what it means to show up for class, build up their stamina, sustain their focus, support each other, and also -that which is sometimes hard for all of us- taking corrections and feedback, and raising it to a higher level.
– Darlene Winters, artistic director
The ‘d’ in Company d stands for “dance”, and so much more. It’s ‘d’ for determination, dedication, drive, discipline, difference... and dream. To learn more about this remarkable dance troupe, its mission and goals, just visit their website at www.companyddancers.com.Television Specials on PBS stations in Tennessee
Creative License is a series of one-hour specials about the arts, artists, and art education across Tennessee. Told in magazine style format, this program features stories about the unique people and personalities who create the arts. We focus greatly on how art changes the lives of people - those who create it and those whom it inspires.
http://www.creativelicensetv.com/
This unique dance company from Memphis had its beginning as a one-time-only dance routine for graduates of an early intervention program for children with Down Syndrome. The success of that led parents to create an ongoing effort with Company d artistic director, Darlene Winters.
And Company d has been going ever since. This group of dedicated young people sign a letter of commitment, push themselves through exhausting rehearsals, and travel to perform at venues in cities like St. Louis, Atlanta, and New York. These ‘challenged’ people raise themselves to take on even more challenges. But these dancers are doing more than learning the art of movement to music - they’re learning how to live.
It’s the parameters of what I call- even though we’re under the umbrella of dance - the life skills. Because they’ve had to learn what it means to show up for class, build up their stamina, sustain their focus, support each other, and also -that which is sometimes hard for all of us- taking corrections and feedback, and raising it to a higher level.
– Darlene Winters, artistic director
The ‘d’ in Company d stands for “dance”, and so much more. It’s ‘d’ for determination, dedication, drive, discipline, difference... and dream. To learn more about this remarkable dance troupe, its mission and goals, just visit their website at www.companyddancers.com.Television Specials on PBS stations in Tennessee
Creative License is a series of one-hour specials about the arts, artists, and art education across Tennessee. Told in magazine style format, this program features stories about the unique people and personalities who create the arts. We focus greatly on how art changes the lives of people - those who create it and those whom it inspires.
http://www.creativelicensetv.com/
