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Arts Education

Dancing Wheels Company & School, Cleveland

Nominated By: Jane D’Angelo, Executive Director, OhioDance

Mary Verdi-Fletcher, founder and artistic director of Dancing Wheels Company & School, has been a pioneering force in the development and success of physically integrated dance for over 33 years. One of the world’s first and foremost professional wheelchair dancers, she has worked and studied with such esteemed artists as Donald McKayle, David Rousseve, Dianne McIntyre, Dennis Nahat, Keith Young, Ben Vereen, Christopher Reeve and many others.

Seeing the need for training and career opportunities for dancers of all ability levels, Verdi-Fletcher created the multi-arts Dancing Wheels School in 1990. Attracting students from around the globe, the school is rapidly becoming the worldwide center for physically integrated dance. As an educator, Verdi-Fletcher has conducted master classes and lectures and has consulted with notable arts institutions across several continents.

Through weekly in-studio classes, residencies and community outreach programs, the Dancing Wheels School uses movement and performance in a unique approach to arts education. Individuals who previously found limited access to the arts due to physical, sensory or developmental disabilities enjoy inclusive dance and participatory learning with their disabled and non-disabled peers. The result is a freeing, educational and joyous art experience for the 6,500 students served by the Dancing Wheels School each year. Verdi-Fletcher is also a tireless arts administrator and advocate. She has helped develop state and national programs for arts and disability service organizations and has worked to help to pass significant pieces of legislation including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Her efforts have paved the way for others in their quest for full and equal access. Through education and performance, the Dancing Wheels Company & School offers an energetic and empowering experience for all.

Dancing Wheels Company & School video tribute (6:24 minutes)