The project arose from the need to establish a dialogue between people with disabilities and the wider community, primarily through collaboration with artists (choreographers and dancers) in the field of contemporary dance. The idea is to involve people with disabilities in artistic work and to create a theatrical performance together with artists. Why modern dance? This form of artistic play does not have predetermined elements that the participants need to learn (as is the case with ballet and classical dances), but leaves enough space for the performer to freely express states and emotions, and form a style of movement adequate to his physical and sensory potentials. In order to enable the connection of people with disabilities and contemporary dancers, we contacted the organization "Mason/Rhynes Productions", which has many years of experience working with wheelchair users. The choreographer of this organization was our guest in July 2008 and held a series of workshops for wheelchair users, dancers, contemporary dance choreographers and other interested individuals. On July 18, 2008, a presentation of the achieved results was organized, which attracted a lot of public attention. After this experience, local choreographers Boris Čakširan and Sanja Krsmanović-Tasić realized two more cycles of workshops (one with blind and partially sighted people, and the other with deaf and hard of hearing people. Both professionals and interested citizens participated in all workshops). Working with professionals was empowering for people with disabilities - their capacities, talents and abilities were respected. Participants were occasionally surprised by what they could do and how they could dance. Participating in the presentations after the workshops (which was an opportunity to show dance materials) gave the wider community the opportunity to see them as active participants in artistic processes.
"At the workshops, I felt happy, as if I was in another world. I was pleased to know that I felt respected by the workshop leaders /.../ I would like to see projects like this continue and involve all those who can contribute." (Statement of the participant on the evaluation questionnaire).
Since September 2008, five people with disabilities and four contemporary dancers have started working on a professional performance, which will have its premiere on December 10 on the stage of the Belgrade Dance Center (Vuk Karadžić Cultural Institute), and on December 16 the first guest appearance in the theater in Paračin. People with disabilities who are hired to work on the show have all the conditions and opportunities that professional players have, which implies their maximum work and contribution. The project was recognized and recommended by the Association of Ballet Artists, the Service Station for Contemporary Dance, the "Vuk Karadžić" Cultural Institution, the Stari Grad Culture Center, various associations of people with disabilities (Beli Stap, Youth Section of the Association of Deaf and Hard of Hearing People of Serbia...). Financial support was provided by the Secretariat for Culture of the City of Belgrade, Holcim Company and Pro Helvecija (Swiss program for culture). At the last Bitef Polyphony (a companion program of the Bitef festival), "Body Frame" was declared one of the most significant projects that push the boundaries of practice towards inclusive theatre.
