On Saturday, February 6, Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA) is proud to present AXIS Dance Company, one of the world’s most acclaimed and innovative ensembles of performers with and without disabilities. During the company’s 3-day residency in Edmonds, in addition to performing as part of the ECA Presented Series, AXIS Dance Company members will lead two free events in the community: a Family Fun Dance Jam for children and families of all ages, levels and abilities at Frances Anderson Center on February 4; and an interactive movement workshop for veterans, their families and friends at the American Legion Post 66 on February 5. The company’s ECA performance will also include a special pre-show reception for veterans and their guests, sponsored by Operation Military Family Cares.

AXIS Dance Company exists to change the face of dance and disability. Founded in 1987, the company has paved the way for a powerful contemporary dance form called physically integrated dance. AXIS collaborates with world-class choreographers and composers to create completely new and innovative performances.¬ Through various outreach programs, AXIS also brings physically integrated dance outside the studio and into schools, community centers, independent living centers, and to countless organizations seeking to learn more about dance, disability and collaboration.

One of the pieces featured in AXIS Dance Company’s ECA performance will be to go again, a dance theatre work that brings to light issues facing our nation’s veterans and addresses their resilience following severe life changes. to go again came about when Artistic Director Judith Smith was approached by Geoff Fallon about doing a work focusing on the experience of veterans. Having just collaborated on a series of dance workshops for veterans in partnership with Palo Alto Veterans Hospital and American DanceWheels Foundation, Fallon’s idea immediately resonated. Smith thought of choreographer Joe Goode, who had recently completed a project with veterans at Kansas State University. As a company consisting of performers with and without physical disabilities, Smith felt AXIS’s ensemble of artists would be an effective vehicle for sharing these stories.

“There is a pressing need in our communities to frankly address how we are supporting our veterans who have returned from service or are still serving,” said Judith Smith, Artist Director of AXIS Dance Company. “As concerned citizens, the veterans’ situation has weighed heavily on many of us. Members of our company know what it is like to live with challenges associated with disability and we believe the stories of veterans’ resiliency are important stories to share.”

AXIS Dance Company’s workshop for veterans will take place on Friday, February 5 at 11:00 am at the American Legion Post 66. Presented in partnership with Operation Military Family Cares, the American Legion Post 66 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8870, the program will give a behind-the-scenes look at to go again, as well as give veterans the opportunity to learn exercises and choreographic techniques that AXIS employs to work with a physically-diverse group. The workshop will conclude with a hosted lunch sponsored by Operation Military Family Cares.

Children and families are invited to attend AXIS’s Family Fun Dance Jam on Thursday, February 4 from 6:30-7:30 pm at the Frances Anderson Center. Individuals of all ages, levels and abilities will hop, dance, wiggle and move to the beat in this creative dance workshop for individuals of all ages and abilities. Made possible with the support of the Edmonds Arts Commission and Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation, this free workshop will focus on positive body awareness, creative expression and contact improvisation – a physical investigation into gravity, momentum and weight-sharing between two or more bodies.