History of. Company d
Company d was first introduced as the Saturday Night Fever Dancers, because this was its first number and still one of the most popular to date. However these individuals have now developed into a company that performs to music that represents many forms of dance; such as jazz, lyrical ballet, and modern. Darlene continues to focus on elements of dance and artistic expression during their weekly rehearsals. Company d has performed at national, regional and local conventions. They have also had numerous service opportunities to be the featured entertainment in order to raise money for other non-profit organizations.
In October 2003 they were recognized as the "Entertainer of the Year7quot; by the Mid-South ARC, and in the fall of 2004 the program expanded and introduced a Jr. "Company", consisting of special needs individuals between the ages of eight and twelve. VSA of Tennessee chose Company d in the spring of 2005 to represent the 9th district of Tennessee in the KEYMUNICATE project "Communication through Arts" (a statewide arts relay that stretched across the state of Tennessee with all aspects of art serving as the key for individuals with disabilities to communicate their own uniqueness and the uniqueness of their communities), Company d performed to "A Little Less Conversation" by Elvis Presley.
Summmer of 2006 Company d dancers were invited to perform at the opening event of the National Down Syndrome Congress conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Dancers spent the remainder of their weekend teaching dance classes [building a dance] to other self-advocates attending the conference and participating in other workshops.
Summer of 2007 Company d dancers returned to the National Down Syndrome Congress conference in Kansas City, Missouri, to perform at the kick-off session for the self-advocates and upon request taught sessions in the Luigi warm-up and sharing the choreography of one of their dances. October of 2007, Company D was invited by the VSA of Tennessee to be one of three professional dance companies to perform at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, Tennessee.
It has been through commitment and discipline that the members of Company d have learned to work as a team and united into "one movement." Through the direction of Darlene Winters these young adults have experienced growth in socialization and self-esteem, language and cognitive skills. Although Company d falls under the umbrella of dance, there is continued focus and growth in the area of developing life skills such as commitment to a project , following complex directions, responding appropriately to corrections, and learning how to work and move as one. Their "one movement" has in turn created a fellowship and support group among the parents. They have become role models for younger children with special needs. They have all also achieved greater levels of community involvement and acceptance. The program has also allowed opportunities to have many of the "typical" experiences for developing into mature adults. Company d is "one movement" that has presented awe-inspiring performances and moved the hearts of their audiences.