Teens and Adults of All Abilities Delight in Middle Eastern
Dance
by Carla Knutson Biermaier
A packed audience of about
150 teens and adults with physical and mental disabilities, along
with their caregivers, joyfully participated in a performance by
Jawaahir Dance Company at an “Arts Access
at Hennepin County Library” program on March 27, 2006 at the Eden Prairie
Library.
HCL’s “Arts Access” programs are designed for
people of all abilities, especially teens and adults with mental
and physical disabilities. The 2006 season focused on self-expression
through dance—at all levels of participation.
Jawaahir performed dances
from Middle Eastern cultures. “The
program at the Eden Prairie Library attracted a cross-section of
the Eden Prairie community,” said John Sugimura, marketing,
programs, and special events manager. “The room was filled
with teens and adults with a broad range of mental and physical abilities.”
“The Middle Eastern dancing and fast-paced music got everyone
moving,” he added.
Sugimura has worked
closely with residential homes and professionals in the disability
community in planning “Arts Access” programs. He
said plans for a third “Arts Access” season are in the
works. For more information, contact Sugimura at 952-847-8661
or jsugimura@hclib.org.
Lifelong
Learning Via Hennepin County Library
For information about
upcoming activities and current services as well as access to the
library’s catalog, electronic data bases,
the Internet, and other resources, go to www.hclib.org.
Almost two million books,
magazines, newspapers, CDs, DVDs, and other materials, plus more
than 1,000 computer workstations, are available to you free of
charge at the libraries. Library cards
are free. Apply at any of the 26 suburban Hennepin County libraries
(bring a form of identification) or fill out your application online
at www.hclib.org. Wireless Internet access is available at
all 26 libraries.
