Just Be

ReVision dance company, a resident company of Dance Place, is currently working on a full length concert, Just Be, to be presented at Dance Place February 21-22, 2015.

In Just Be, Artistic Director Shannon Quinn leads ReVision dance company in exploring the raw emotions and life experiences of working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The audience joins the company in focusing on the abilities of individuals, instead of the challenges and stereotypes associated with disability.

The performance will feature guest performers from the Mamie D. Lee School, a DC Public School serving children with special needs. ReVision dance company is currently teaching 3 days/week at the Mamie D. Lee School engaging students with I/DD in physical fitness, artistic expression, and kinesthetic learning. ReVision believes that dance is an inclusive art form that can help illustrate the shared artistry of people of all backgrounds and abilities.

Mamie students will be performing in a featured section of Just Be as part of ReVision's professional performance at Dance Place. The students will be learning the choreography in their classes during the school year. They will experience a dress rehearsal on stage with the company members and will perform in both Saturday and Sunday's shows. ReVision will provide transportation for each of the students to the theater to ensure full participation. Artistic Director Shannon Quinn is working closely with Mamie Principal, Dr. Aimee Pressley to coordinate with parents and teachers to make the Just Be project happen.

The goal of engaging the Mamie students is to challenge audience members' preconceptions about individuals with I/DD and demonstrate the positive power that dance has on everyone's lives.

Funded by Washington, DC (January 2015)