About. Company d
The Mission
To create awareness of the talents and gifts of individuals with disabilities in the community through the performing arts.
The Program
A performing arts troupe for individuals with special needs who have demonstrated exceptional skills in the area of dance and drama.
The Focus
To provide on-going training to develop skills related to the elements of dance, artistic expression and the enhancement of self-esteem .
The Philosophy
All individuals have talents and gifts. Growth of one’s talents and gifts unfold when given the time, training and encouragment. A synergistic relationship among the dancers, teachers and parents has facilitated the growth of each dancer’s artistic expresssion. The impact of developing the talents and gifts of those with disabilities affects self-esteem, self-advocacy and stature within the community.
The Vision
To assist in initiating and expanding Company d Performing Arts Troupes to other areas of the country.
The History
"The Dancers", a working title that began back in September of 2000, has evolved into a company that consists of fourteen teenagers with a developmental disability who represent six high schools, three counties in West Tennessee. Company d is sponsored by the Down Syndrome Association of Memphis and the Mid-South, an organization whose goal is to increase positive public awareness about persons with Down syndrome.
The Company evolved as a result of a planned 15th reunion dinner for Special Kids and Families, to celebrate the organization and a reunion of those young individuals who had benifited from the program. Five of the original dancers who were the first graduates of this early intervention program were asked to provide the entertainment for the evening.
It was this organization that asked "Company d's artistic director, Darlene Winters, to choreograph a piece for its 15th Anniversary dinner. During this three month rehearsal period a passion, fellowship, and community developed among Darlene, the dancers and the parents. Ready to organize and bring the dancers back after several months, Brenda called Darlene. Brenda serves as the Director of Company d. and has an extensive history of advocacy for not only her son but also for all individuals with disabilities. Brenda is responsible for coordination of Company d performances, general operations, and the camaraderie among the parents, as she continues to keep everyone informed and brings everybody together.
Program Structure
Company d dancers attend a minimum of two, two-hour classes weekly, rehearsals, mini-winter camp, and a one week summer camp. Company d dancers sign annual contracts of commitment to the program. Annually contracts are reveiwed with the dancers to insure understanding of the information contained in the contract.
Company d dancers attend an annual summer camp for a week where they have an opportunity to work with guest artists in the visual arts, drama, and dance.
During the Spring of 2006 the Company d Dancers expanded their artistic growth by initiating a series of "master classes." Karl Condon( Ballet Memphis Associate Artistic Director), was the first master artist in dance to be a guest teacher for three classes and guest artist for summer camp. Since then the Company d dancers have had opportunity to work with Louisa Koeppel of Project Motion, Memphis' professional modern dance company, and the touring Phildanco dancers from Philadelphia, DeWayne Hambrick, Francis Roach (New York choreographer and a master instrutor of the Luigi jazz technique), Tony Horne (theater artist, Northwestern University, Chicago).
The "master class" series has not only brought growth to the Company d dancers but in turn has grown the master artists.