Ms. Paula Gorman

• To mentor dance company directors who are interested in organizing a mixed ability dance company.

• dance training
• dance performance
• integrated dance

• Founder/Dance director/ Choreographer for a mixed ability dance company
• High-quality dance training for both physically challenged  and able-bodied dancers
• Motivator
• Mentor

• BFA, Classical Ballet and Theater, Texas Christian University, 1971
• Professional performer
• Member of Dance Faculty at Northwest Vista College for twelve years
• Director of Dance at St. Luke's Episcopal School for twelve years

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    Mission Statement

  The primary focus of the Inflight Dance Co. is to demonstrate that physical disability is not a barrier in the dance world. By providing high quality dance training for disabled dancers in conjunction with able-bodied dancers, the Inflight Dance Co. serves a community need previously unmet. That need is quality professional dance instruction that is offered in pleasant and accessible surroundings, at a reasonable cost, that is available to any challenged dancer that is physically able to participate. Dance for the disabled dancer is excellent because moving to music is therapeutic for the body and uplifting for the spirit. Movement set in choreography to be performed publicly offers a challenge, and challenge makes life interesting and fulfilling for everybody. The Inflight Dance Co. performs throughout Texas and beyond to demonstrate the importance of this type of program in our communities.

  Some Performance Venues include: * College Demonstrations and Performances (Texas Christian University, Northwest Vista College, Palo Alto College and UTSA ) * Nursing Schools and Medical Schools * National and International Medical Conferences (2002 International Orthopedic Surgeons Conference Opening Ceremony, Dallas, TX.) * The San Antonio McNay Art Museum * Public Libraries * Rehabilitation Centers and Hospitals * San Antonio Jump-Start Theater * Work yearly in Collaboration with UTSA in an Adaptive Physical Education course offered through their Physical Education Department * Performed an hour Lecture-Demonstration at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN 2002 as the first dance company ever invited to perform at the world renown clinic. The presentation was televised in every nursing school, medical school and hospital room throughout the U.S. Mayo Clinic System. * Featured dance company with the NFL and NBA dance teams on the ESPN PRO-DANCE 2002 television production. Received a standing ovation from the 10,000 people present that day at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio, Texas.

  * The company is featured every three weeks on a local television show called, A Door in the Wall on channel 20. (times vary - check local listings). * In October 2003, the Hallmark television channel aired a National Documentary about the Inflight Dance Co. on their NEWMORNING TV show. The weekly show focuses on spiritual journeys and developing your authentic self. The documentary is repeated each year as a motivational segment for people with physical disabilities. * In April 2004, three of the company wheelchair dancers performed in a statewide television commercial for the VIA TRANSPORATATION COMPANY. The commercial aired in May 2004. The dancers chosen to appear in the commercial were: Vanessa Vance, Lori Sherry and Brittnie Simmons. * In 2006 Paula Gorman collaborated with Northwest Vista College and choreographed an integrated performance piece that was entered in the American College Dance Competition held at The University of Texas in Austin. * In October 2006, Paula Gorman participated in the Mid-America Arts Alliance National Panel of Discussion about, Disability and Inclusion, held in Kansa City, Mo. The Director of the National Endowment of the Arts and several state Commission of the Arts Directors were in attendance. The panel viewed three videos of Inflight Dance Co. performances and Ms. Gorman shared her experiences as the director of a mixed- ability dance company. Funding, locating accessible theaters and facilities and connecting with other dance companies for people with disabilities were some of the panel topics. * The company is listed on the National Register of Dance Companies for People with Disabilities. www.arts.gov

   

    

131A Treasure Way

United States

Texas

San Antonio

(210) 250-0921

(210) 250-0921

[email protected]