Since that time, dancers of all abilities have inspired and enriched the lives of audiences everywhere. Verdi-Fletcher's dream of having disabled dancers realize artistic achievement on a professional level, and her determination to change negative perceptions has given many dancers the opportunity to perform and to achieve on a variety of levels. Her personal experience as director, advocate and artist has helped her to meet many challenges and reach beyond the dance and disabled communities. In 1994, Sabatino Verlezza joined the company as co-artistic director and choreographer. With an MFA in dance from the University of Michigan and 15 years of experience as a dancer and choreographer in New York, Sabatino provides innovative choreography that accentuates the abilities rather than the limitations of the dancers, as he works to dispel the myth that individuals with disabilities are limited in what they can achieve as artists.
Admission is free.
A dance workshop for disabled dancers at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 5, also in Pearson Hall auditorium. Admission is free. Call 831-2204 to register. A master class, open to all beginning and advanced dancers, at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 5, also in Pearson Hall auditorium. Admission is free.