Sidewalk U NYC - Tuesday

 On Tuesday we had our first official appointment at the Heidi Latsky Dance Co. Heidi is a dancer/choreographer/studio owner who became interested in working with dancers with disabilities - more about that later.  Several links related to her dance projects: The Gimp Project and On Display

First thing in the morning we headed for the Chelsea High Line  an innovative use of old transit tracks.  It has interesting public art and a unique view of New York in the Chelsea area.  Melissa Vandenberg really challenged the students to find their inner artist and go for it.  I think the students rose the challenge.  You can see some of their photos and sketches on our Tumblr - Sidewalk U.  After that I used my free time to go see St. Patrick's Cathedral which was recently spiffed up for the Pope's visit.  Unfortunately they were having mass, so my photo ops were limited.  

Promptly at 2 PM we met at the Heidi Latsky Dance studio.  Heidi had invited us to watch the development of a new dance with two male dancers regarding the difficulties of being men of color and men with disabilities in today's New York.  The dancers were generous in allowing us to take pictures.  After about an hour of practice (a fascinating look at the collaborative nature between the choreographer and the dancers), the dancers took a break while we started a conversation about how they came to dance and the meaning of disability.   What followed was beyond fascinating as Heidi and her two dancers (one of whom obviously has CP - hemiplegia, and the other who has an invisible disability) had an open conversation about the meaning of disability/dance/art/perception and found to their surprise that they had very different ideas and attitudes.  Can't it just be a great dance without it being a great dance for a disabled person?  How important is it to put on a facade of normalcy?  What does it mean to be on display?  I was entranced, I think the students were too.

Gathering at the corner.  Already the students had heightened awareness of accessibility in the form of curb cuts.  They were taxed with doing a Scavenger Hunt related to finding ADA accessible curb cuts, ramps, bathrooms, but soon went beyond that in their discoveries

Yes - it was really cold, but no snow!

I think the students were fascinated by the concept of parking in NYC - how do you get your car out of here (they are too young to be Seinfeld fans)

I would say the High Line does a better job than the subways noting access points

 

So we were on 20th Street, the nearest elevator was 3 streets away - not insignificant on a cold day.

 

 

Checking out the High Line and doing their photographer thing

Modern architecture in NYC

Katie (1 of 3) getting the best shot possible

Katie (2 of 3) sketching

The New Yorker building - classic architecture in NYC

 

One of the accessible subway stops - one you find an elevator, you have to brave enough to enter it as they are often used as toilets

I could never figure out which was the best direction to go when given a choice - either way it meant more stairs

Side view of the main alter at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

I lit a candle in memory of my mother-in-law - something she always did when visiting a church

Spent way too much time at the top of subway stairs dreading the decent.  Lots of pretty tile work helped a bit.

At the studio.  That is Heidi standing up/leaning against the mirror.

The guys in action

Having the discussion

After dinner we went to Spring Awakening - a unique play - a musical for the Deaf.  Most everyone signed, deaf or otherwise.  The main parts also had a second actor who spoke/sang as an interpretation for us hearing folks.  It spoke to access issues of a different sort and explored the concept of shame.

Many talented artists playing in the subway - a nice way to end a very busy day.