Performance Crew – We Dance to Advocate
Our Performance Crew is comprised of experienced DAM Dancers, Volunteers, Occupational Therapists and Teachers that come together to create collaborative performance pieces targeted at advocating for dancers of all abilities and enhancing the social movement.
They have performed at various community events in Southern Ontario since 2015 to showcase their talent and the beauty of diversity and inclusion.
Have a performance opportunity for us?
If you would like us to perform or speak at your event, please send a message to contact@danceabilitymovement.com and we will get a quick reply with fees and availability.
Video Highlights
Watch our Performance Crew dancing through their hearts!
“I Lived” – 2016
Our very first performance crew! Inspired by the meaningful lyrics of this OneRepublic song, dancers shared their passion and captured the essence of LIVING in the moment on stage together. For the first time, our inclusive group (which included three sets of sisters!) showcased that EVERYBODY can dance and that we are better together. This dynamic team performed at many events, including the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists conference!
Music: I Lived by OneRepublic
Lead Choreographers: Mallory & Jade Ryan
Assisted by Kayla Prior and Devon Lewis
With contributions from all of our performers
“Brand New” – 2017
Ahhhh that BRAND NEW feeling we get each time we perform! This piece highlights the pure joy that is experienced through dance, and the many ways that dance connects us. This talented group worked extremely hard and received special awards for their teamwork on stage. Incorporating elements of rhythmic gymnastics, our dancers tossed, rolled, spun and moved a ball around the stage throughout the routine to represent our shared joy and connection.
Music: Brand New by Ben Rector
Lead Choreographers: Mallory & Jade Ryan
Assisted by Kayla Prior and Devon Lewis
With contributions from all of our performers
“Man in the Mirror” – 2018
One of our most memorable routines, with choreography inspired by our dancers. Choreography incorporated sign language throughout the piece to demonstrate that we can all learn new things and do better to make our world more inclusive. With our “Be Kind” ASL shirts from “Littlest Warrior” and our blazers, this group was extremely dedicated to the piece earning them the chance to perform downtown Toronto as part of the Let the Elephants Dance gala for mental health. Their professionalism among other artists was incredible. As one of our dancers, Ryan describes “To participate on stage in an inclusive event with the group was an amazing experience. The message to “take a look at yourself and make that change” is a powerful message for advocacy.”
Music: Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson
Lead Choreographers: Mallory & Jade Ryan
Assisted by Kayla Prior and Devon Lewis
With contributions from all of our performers
“This is Me” – 2019
Choreography in this piece encouraged each dancer to SHINE! With unique costumes, props, and a whole lot of energy this piece rocked the stage. Performing this piece at the Strive Dance Challenge in front of a full house was an experience like no other. The energy was felt throughout the theatre and …wow! When this group received an adjudicator’s choice award, the adjudicator gave an important speech that dance is for everyone, regardless of how many hours they train, everyone was proud to share that stage. What an impact this routine left on all of us – our last performance on stage together!
Music: This is Me by Keala Settle and The Greatest Showman Ensemble
Lead Choreographers: Mallory & Jade Ryan
Assisted by Kayla Prior and Devon Lewis
With contributions from all of our performers
“It’s Time to Dance” – 2020
In 2020, our Performance Crew didn’t get to “perform” on a stage due to the COVID-19 outbreak. But nothing stopped this amazing crew from dancing together. The challenges and change sparked new creativity and our dancers performed their hearts out from home – and created our first video performance recorded all together on Zoom– reminding us all, that even when times get tough – “It’s time to dance!”.
Music: It’s Time to Dance by Company of The Prom
Choreography: Mallory Ryan, Jade Ryan, Devon Lewis & Kayla Prior
“Waving Through a Window” – 2021
In 2021, we choreographed a special Video Performance, highlighting how dance kept us connected even while we were apart. Dancers and families submitted individual recordings which were compiled by our Choreographers into a final performance video. Our performance received a highest overall score and special adjudicator’s choice award at the Virtual Strive Dance Challenge.
Music: Waving Through a Window, Pentatonix version
Choreography: Mallory Ryan, Devon Lewis, Jade Ryan, & Kayla Little
Video Editing lead: Devon Lewis with help from Jade Ryan, Anastasia Sullivan, and Eve Hannon