Educating Others to Foster an All-Encompassing Environment
DWC Ambassador Jade Fraser on Advocation for Disabled Dancers
By Madison Huizinga, DWC Blog Editor
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Within any industry, narrow definitions and expectations are often formed regarding what the “typical” individual should look like. Such definitions and expectations can not only breed bland conformity but also lead to the creation of exclusive communities that leave certain people feeling like they do not belong. The dance industry is no exception. Through using her platform as a DWC ambassador, local dancer Jade Fraser strives to debunk myths about disabled dancers and share her unique experiences as a way to help make the community a better place.
Jade’s first exposure to dance was taking “pre-level” classes, including pre-ballet, tap, and jazz at various studios around the greater Seattle area. She took a break from dance to explore other activities, but eventually returned to it in the sixth grade at Body Language Studio (formerly known as Cornerstone Studio), where she has been training ever since. At Body Langauge Studio, Jade has mainly taken classes in contemporary and hip hop styles, as well as conditioning classes. She’s also a member of BLS Select, a performing arts and competition team at Body Language Studio.
Jade explains that she loved dancing so much as a child that she would often find herself randomly dancing in the hallway at school, not caring about what anyone else thought but herself. “Being autistic, sometimes I have trouble expressing in words what I’m thinking and feeling. Sometimes I don’t even understand what I’m thinking and feeling” Jade says. She shares that one of the reasons why she loves to dance is because it helps her express and understand things in ways that words cannot.
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In addition, Jade says that the gratification she experiences from performing on stage is unlike anything else. She feels powerful when she’s able to command the attention of an audience, being able to make them feel a range of emotions using her movement. Having that kind of agency as a performer is a validating feeling.
There are certain genres of dance that have come more naturally to Jade than others. For example, she says that it’s taken her a while to figure out how to dance hip hop, sharing that she’s worked hard on improving her technique to advance.
Another dance-related challenge that Jade has faced is the stereotypes that people place on dancers. She explains that many people in her life have underestimated the strength and discipline required of dancers. “People don’t understand that dance is more than just something that looks pretty,” Jade stresses.
Jade is looking forward to participating in her first dance competition this year, planning to compete in a contemporary solo. “I’m nervous but also I’m really excited to start competing,” she shares. Jade also hopes to be able to attend a dance convention at some point this year.
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As a DWC ambassador, Jade is looking forward to being able to speak to a wider audience about topics she’s passionate about. Specifically, Jade plans to discuss and write about the discrimination that disabled dancers experience. She’s interested in pushing the definition of what it means to offer “disabled dance,” asking who is included within this definition and whether or not there is a place for people with disabilities that are less visible. “I just want to break stereotypes and advocate and educate as much as I can,” Jade says.
“One of the changes that we need to see in dance [relates to] how disability is seen and how it is thought of,” Jade says. For example, she points out that some people assume there is some kind of “look” a person must have to be considered disabled; however, those kinds of definitions can be harmful and limiting to the larger community of disabled dancers. “That kind of thinking can be really damaging,” Jade shares.
“We need to know what disability is and what the disabled community wants and needs from the non-disabled community,” Jade shares. “Those little things can make dance a whole lot more accessible.” Through using her platform as a DWC ambassador, Jade strives to help make the dance community a better place, specifically for disabled community members.
