Abilities Dance Boston Showcases Original Music in Concert Celebrating Disability Inclusion

Abilities Dance Boston will present The Music of Abilities Dance Boston concert at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7 at Hibernian Hall in Roxbury, featuring approximately 10 original compositions performed by a live 13-person ensemble. The concert celebrates the creative collaborations that have shaped the company's recent works, bringing attention to the original music behind several past dance performances conducted by Music Director Andrew Choe. This event marks the first time these works by composers Andrew Choe, Robert Gross, and Erin Rogers will be presented together in a performance guided by artistry and inclusion.

According to Founder and Executive Director Ellice Patterson, this concert brings the musical component of Abilities Dance performances to center stage. The original compositions created for performances do more than just accompany dances; they serve as a vehicle for challenging ableism and reimagining what artistry and access can look like when everyone's voice is heard. This approach represents a significant shift in how performing arts organizations can integrate disability inclusion into their creative processes.

The November 7 showcase is part of Abilities Dance's performing company program, which provides equitable employment opportunities for disabled and diverse artists and administrators who bring the company's work to life. Each performance highlights intersectional themes such as climate justice, racial equity, and accessibility told through dance and music. To ensure an inclusive experience for audience members, The Music of Abilities Dance Boston concert will offer ASL interpretation.

Tickets to The Music of Abilities Dance are available for purchase with general admission priced at $35. Free and sliding scale ticket price options are also available to ensure accessibility to the event for all interested attendees. This commitment to financial accessibility reflects the organization's broader mission of removing barriers to arts participation.

Since its inception in 2017, Abilities Dance Boston has worked to redefine the performing arts landscape across Greater Boston by centering artists with disabilities and advocating for inclusion and access through dance and music. The organization has received recognition for its achievements in accessibility, including the 2020 MA Cultural Council UP Award and the 2023 Boston Cultural Council Equity Award for commitment to equity in the arts. These awards underscore the significant impact the organization has made in promoting disability inclusion within the cultural sector.

The concert represents more than just a musical performance; it demonstrates how nonprofit arts organizations can lead meaningful social change through their programming and employment practices. By creating platforms for disabled artists to showcase their talents and by addressing critical social issues through artistic expression, Abilities Dance Boston serves as a model for how the arts can drive conversations about equity and inclusion forward.