DANCEORIENTATION.EU
#danceisblind
NL  FR  EN

G-dance training day at Danssport Vlaanderen 2023

22 October 2023

On October 22, I could not attend the trainer’s day for dance coaches organized by Danssport Vlaanderen. The first time I was asked for a training session on the topic "dance for the blind" was in 2021 (see article 2021). In this previous training, a lot of attention was paid to the preparatory work for the reception and the proper flow of the environment in which the blind person arrives. This was not revisited this time. The transportation, the reception, the initial phone contact... This time, the focus was on the lesson itself. The information regarding this can be found below, and the PowerPoint is also available via the link from Danssport Vlaanderen. This time, new elements are highlighted.

The fact that I couldn’t be present was not an issue for me; on the contrary, I saw it as an opportunity to achieve one of our objectives. Manuel Delaere, my blind dancer, currently in training as a coach, was able to take over for me. Who better than a blind dancer could provide us with information about the two main tools for the blind:

Verbal Information

1. Attention to the sound environment

Removing unnecessary background music.

Informing participants, so asking for silence at certain moments.

Feedback about your exact position.

Keeping the contrast between music and explanation large enough.

Discussing the microphone box with the instructor in advance (box and instructor should be aligned – e.g., box behind the instructor).

2. The instructor's explanation

Clear language (short and to the point).

Feedback about your exact position.

Reference points in the space: where am I? Mat, bar, wall…

First, explain the main shape of the figure, and then go into detail.

A reference framework within the lesson plan: set up reference points so the blind can use them as a kind of scaffold or building blocks.

Dance technique: analogies with elements from everyday life, e.g., place your foot as if walking, or in analogy with previous figures or shapes they have already seen.

Phase the steps, don’t give too much at once,

with special emphasis on crucial intermediate steps,

a. Hand position, which helps you become a better dancer

b. Orientation – starting position, intermediate orientation, ending position

(e.g., explaining the evolution of orientation in relation to the starting position)

c. Speed-time coordination and musicality

Haptic (touch)

1. Space – reference points

a. The space itself – wall, floor

b. Material: bar, stick, ropes

2. Dance partner – reference points (we do couple dancing, and for the blind, this is actually quite comfortable)

a. Dance partner in the space

b. Dance partner in the figure/exercise

3. The instructor or experienced dance partner guides a part of the body (arm, leg, torso, head) into the desired position.

Virtualization

Signage

Recently, Michèle and I took a new turn, namely a third tool: creating "Dancetools." I arrived on a beautiful day with a magnet board, and meanwhile, Michèle thought of making signage. For this, we received a budget of 25,000 euros from the King Baudouin Foundation for further research. We are still in our early stages, and in February, we will test the magnet board with volunteer blind participants. During that time, it became clear that creating signage might be a new way to facilitate accessible dancing.

And today, we are going to explain and implement it in practice.

1. Hanna, would you film the exercise for me?

2. Who feels called to be blindfolded?

3. I also need two other volunteers to participate in the exercise, seeing participants for observation.

The figure is the "enchufla" for ladies; today, we will only pamper the ladies with a custom-made sign.

Record the exercise and findings.

Closing

Thank you speech.

Image Description

Photo 1: Manuel is teaching future sighted trainers for people with disabilities. He is sitting behind a table in a classroom setting.

Photo 2: Practical exercises with dance signage. The trainers are spread across the dance floor.

Photo 1: Manuel gives a lesson Photo 2: Exercises being tested in practice