Dance for All: A Qualitative Synthesis of Inclusive Dance Literature

Abstract

Ensuring the active participation of people with disabilities in the world of the arts, and specifically in dance, is a challenge closely linked to the guarantee of cultural rights that must be addressed. In recent decades, there has been an increase in inclusive projects and initiatives from both professional dance companies and various social entities committed to activism for the rights of people with disabilities. This growing willingness has been accompanied by an exponential growth in research on inclusive dance, which has sought to document and critically examine the implications of these advances in the practical sphere. This article presents the first qualitative synthesis of the literature on inclusive dance. For this purpose, a systematic review of literature corresponding to the last decade has been carried out. The final qualitative synthesis summarises key achievements, progress and challenges in the field of inclusive dance.