Karen Peterson Dancers Celebrates their Fifth Annual Forward Motion Dance Festival & Conference of Physically Integrated Dance MARCH 23 & 24, 2024
FM5 features a live collaboration with The Spirit of Goodwill Band and showcases 20 dance and music artist with disabilities.
South Florida is gearing up for the much-anticipated Fifth Annual Forward Motion Dance Festival and Conference of Physically Integrated Dance (FM5). This unique event on March 23 and 24, 2024 is a celebration of physically integrated dance, featuring a dynamic mix of performances, workshops, and community engagement. Produced by Karen Peterson Dancers (KPD) annually, Forward motion is one of the first festivals and conferences anywhere in the world showcasing physically integrated dance companies and choreography.
FM5 is proud to collaborate with The Spirit of Goodwill Band, a unique group of inclusive musicians with a wide range of musical abilities joined through the power of music. Established in 1987 by Goodwill Industries of South Florida with the aim of enhancing the social and recreational skills of individuals with disabilities, the band, comprised entirely of Goodwill SF employees, exemplifies the nonprofit’s commitment to broadening access to employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment – standing as a powerful embodiment of what’s possible when the emphasis is placed on ability rather than disability.
Karen Peterson, Artistic Director of KPD, expressed her excitement, “This festival is not just about dance performances; it’s a movement that showcases the transformative power of art. We are bridging gaps and bringing together diverse talents to celebrate dance in its most inclusive form. I am excited to showcase some of the best inclusive dance from Poland and from around the U.S. Miami audiences are in for a treat!”