Abilities Dance Boston to Present Original Music in Concert Celebrating Disability Arts

Abilities Dance Boston, a dance company committed to centering artists with disabilities and expanding access and representation in Greater Boston's performing arts space, will showcase the original works of its composers with a special concert at Hibernian Hall in Roxbury. The Music of Abilities Dance Boston concert will celebrate the creative collaborations that have shaped the company's recent works, bringing a spotlight to the original music behind several past dance performances. The in-person-only event will feature approximately 10 original compositions performed by a live 13-person ensemble, conducted by Music Director Andrew Choe.

With pieces written by Choe, as well as composers Robert Gross and Erin Rogers, the original works will be presented together for the first time in this celebratory evening guided by artistry and inclusion. This concert brings the musical component of Abilities Dance performances to center stage, according to Ellice Patterson, Founder and Executive Director of Abilities Dance Boston. The original compositions created for our performances do more than just accompany dances; they serve as a vehicle for challenging ableism and reimagining what artistry and access can look like when everyone's voice is heard.

The November 7 showcase is part of Abilities Dance's performing company program, which provides equitable employment opportunities for disabled and diverse artists and administrators who bring the company's work to life. Each performance highlights intersectional themes such as climate justice, racial equity and accessibility told through dance and music. To ensure an inclusive experience for audience members, The Music of Abilities Dance Boston concert will offer ASL interpretation.

Tickets to The Music of Abilities Dance are available for purchase through their website at https://abilitiesdanceboston.org. General admission is $35, with free and sliding scale ticket price options also available to ensure accessibility to the event for all interested. Since its inception in 2017, Abilities Dance Boston has worked to redefine the performing arts landscape across Greater Boston by centering artists with disabilities and advocating for inclusion and access through dance and music. The organization has won the 2020 MA Cultural Council UP Award for achievements in accessibility and the 2023 Boston Cultural Council Equity Award for commitment to equity in the arts.