Chain | Cohn Stiles supports Kern County’s first dance and disability program

Kern Dance Alliance has teamed up with the League of Dreams to bring the first dance and disability program to Kern County, called “danceABILITY,” and Chain | Cohn | Clark is proud to help make the program possible.

The dance program is led by AXIS Dance Company, one of the world’s most acclaimed and innovative ensembles of performers with and without disabilities. Its aim is to inspire diverse populations to dance. League of Dreams is a nonprofit adaptive sports program for athletes ages 5-22 with physical and developmental disabilities.

The danceABILITY program will take place over five weeks beginning in October. Participants, ages 5 to 22, will learn inclusive, creative dance that is accessible to movers with and without physical disabilities, and will culminate with a performance at the historic Bakersfield Fox Theater.

It’s sponsored by Chevron, Garces Memorial High School, and Chain | Cohn | Clark.

“Dance is another form of expression, and every person, regardless of their abilities, should have the opportunity to express themselves through this avenue,” said Chain | Cohn | Clark personal injury attorney Felicia Schoepfer-Altmiller, who was a member on the League of Dreams Board of Directors. “Plus it’s fun!”

Registration for the program opens Aug. 1, and takes place from Oct. 7 to Nov. 4 at Garces Memorial High School.

AXIS Dance Company exists “to change the face of dance and disability through artistry, engagement and advocacy,” according to the company. Based in Oakland since 1987, AXIS is the nation’s most acclaimed ensembles of performers with and without disabilities, and has toured to over 100 cities in the United States, Europe and Russia. You may have seen the company on FOX TV’s “So You Think You Can Dance.”

“Through education and outreach programs thousands of children and adults of all ages and abilities are inspired to dance each year,” the company states.

AXIS Dance Company will be hosting a teacher training in physically integrated dance for those interested in providing dance classes for the disabled community, while learning from the world’s leading dance and disability experts. The “AXIS Dance Company Teacher Training in Physically Integrated Dance Course” on May 6 includes learning and experiencing participatory exercises and activities for use in classrooms as well as discussion about disability, language, and the development of AXIS’ inclusive community education program.

The cost for educators is $100 for Kern Dance Alliance members or $125 for non-Kern Dance Alliance members. For more information, go to kerndance.org.

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If you or someone you know is injured at the fault of someone else, call the Bakersfield-based personal injury and workers’ compensation law firm Chain | Cohn | Clark at (661) 323-4000.