The GIMP Project
In-school Enrichment and Performance Program

An interdisciplinary residency program that celebrates fighting spirit and vigor through theater, dance, film and social discourse.

The Heidi Latsky Dance Company is offering in-school enrichment and performance opportunities with flexible programming and performance options. This innovative, diverse, and daring dance company will work closely with you to design a program that meets your in-school enrichment expectations and/or performance needs. We focus on diversity and inclusion through movement while shifting pre-conceived ideas of disability. Kinetic and captivating, we use dance as the vehicle to express the beauty and complexity of difference.

Students, staff, and parents experience growth in the areas of:

• Social & Disability Awareness
• Positive Body Image Reinforcement
• Creativity & Movement
• Care & Consideration for Others
• Bullying Prevention
• Acceptance, Perception, & Understanding

To learn more about "The GIMP Project" please call or e-mail to discuss program options, availability and pricing for your school. Contact: Katrin Hall: 518-567-3509 or e-mail: heidilatskymgmt@gmail.com.

What is The GIMP Project?

gimp \ 'gimp \
1. a ribbonlike, braided fabric
2. fighting spirit; vigor
3. a lame person
4. slang; a halting, lame walk
5. to turn, vacillate, tremble ecstatically

Embracing its Oxford definitions, GIMP brings audiences and students an emotional experience with performers whose unique attributes, physical and otherwise, are honored and utilized. The dancers in GIMP have unique bodies ranging from overly agile joints and absent, foreshortened and crooked limbs to exceptionally overdeveloped muscles.

Programming

Heidi Latsky Dance offers customized programs to fit your needs including: assembly and performance, movement workshops, video presentations, discussions with the performers and Q & A. Our performers are extremely accessible and articulate insightful speakers working well with students at all levels and ages.

Testimonials

"The commitment of the dancers to their art was impressive and their enthusiasm was contagious... An Upper School student said that he was afraid the program was going to be "too preachy" and instead he was surprised to find that the program challenged him to re-think the concept of dance, movement and physical disability."         
     Bancroft School, Worcester, MA

"I have been the director of dance at Beloit College for more than 10 years and have had the pleasure of hosting many talented guest artists.  The residency provided by Heidi Latsky Dance was by far the most artistically excellent and profoundly inspiring residency we have ever hosted."         
     Beloit College, Beloit, WI

"The response was overwhelmingly positive from the students and faculty...  Heidi Latsky and the dancers were completely professional, and they conversed easily with students of all ages... Our students raved about the program and it had a lasting impression on them."         
     Nightingale-Bamford School, New York, NY

GIMP turns on its head accepted notions of dance, performance and body image. This is an exploration which dives into the heart of difference, voyeurism and the unexpected. Latsky and company have created a piece of work that is a natural and completely unique vehicle for dialogue, increased understanding and civic engagement.

GIMP / The Residency's mission is to create an environment for dialogue and exposure to the disability arts through film and integrated dance. Through participation in rehearsals, performances, outreach activities and forums, host communities will have a hands-on experience with the artists and their process. This residency is ideal for universities where various departments can be involved.

OUTREACH COMPONENTS

Dance performance: Heidi Latsky Dance will perform GIMP – a multimedia event that includes a silk aerial act, a cast of unconventional body types and, where appropriate, community members incorporated into the performance. Post performance talkback is strongly encouraged.

Film series: GIMP performer and disability advocate Lawrence Carter-Long will present a variety of films throughout the week from his disTHIS! Film Series, A genre-shattering showcase of cutting edge disability film, (no handkerchief necessary, no heroism required!). Also, post screening discussions.

Dance classes: The company offers a range of classes including repertory, modern technique, ballet technique, Movement for Actors, Pilates, the Latsky Method© – through breath and postures, a way to organize the body for ease of movement and depth of expression. The company is available to restage a piece of repertory or Latsky can create a new dance work.

Forums/Panel Discussions: All performers are available for a variety of formats to share and discuss their work together, their process, and their experiences within the world of dance and disability.

Movement workshops: Heidi Latsky Dance offers community workshops that explore storytelling through movement.