Dance as a Factor for Personal Development and Inclusion: Perceptions of an Inclusive Dance Group

Abstract

In recent years, art has been associated with inclusion practices. This paper aims to investigate how the members of a Portuguese Inclusive Dance group, Grupo Dançando com a Diferença, describe how the involvement in the group has contributed to their personal development and inclusion. In this study 20 individuals agreed to participate: 12 dancers (five dancers without disabilities and seven with disabilities), five members of the technical team, and three parents of dancers with mental disabilities. Data collection was carried out using focus groups with dancers, parents and the technical team, as well as an
individual interview with the Artistic Director. Overall, the results revealed that participants perceive the dance company to be a facilitator of inclusion. Results also point the group’s impact in the acquisition of technical, artistic and social skills. Finally, data on the role of dance on the professional fulfilment and social integration of these participants will be discussed.