Devon Energy’s Movement without Limitations

Ballet classes for blind and visually impaired

 

For immediate release            

May 23, 2011

 

OKLAHOMA CITY --  For the second year, City Arts Center is partnering with the Oklahoma City Ballet and NewView Oklahoma to host a one-week dance workshop for blind and partially-sighted children.  This innovative partnership gives visually impaired children and teenagers a chance to experiment and play with creative movement in a safe and fun environment. 

The six week course commenced early May, sponsored by Devon Energy.  Ten children were accompanied by a sighted buddy who joined in every aspect of the training and rehearsals, and will be with them for the final performance on June 9. Meanwhile, the adults worked independently in a separate class.

 

Sight impairment ranges from complete blindness to serious visual confinements but this will not impede the students’ ability to run, jump, spin, twist and perfect their pliés and arabesques. Being released from the strictures of nervous or tentative movement into freedom of expression has very positive effects on mental and physical well-being: “liberating”, “exhilarating” and “life-changing” were the words most often used to describe the feelings of dancing in a safe space.  As one performer remarked, “We can run around without worrying – it’s very seldom that we collide.”

The program was started by Mary Ann Prior, Executive Director of City Arts Center: “We have two large dance studios with sprung flooring and ballet bars,” said Prior, “and I think it‘s wonderful that they are going to be used by such an appreciative group of people.”

Tanya Chianese, dance instructor, will offer all participants six evenings of fun-filled exercise and a chance to learn the basics of ballet.  The sessions culminate in a performance that is open to the public on June 9.  For more information, visit www.cityartscenter.org or by call (405) 951-0000. 

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