Deaf and disabled community strut their stuff on the red carpet

THE Northern Rivers’ deaf and disabled community glammed up and hit the red carpet at Sprung Dance Theatre’s annual Dis-Co Ball on Saturday night.

Around 80 people attended the inclusive celebration, held in partnership with LGBTIQ+ community group Tropical Fruits, at Mullumbimby Civic Memorial Hall.

Sprung Dance Theatre’s artistic director Daniele Constance said the event provided a rare and joyful occasion for creative expression.

“It’s an opportunity to put on a costume and dress to impress, which is something our artists and community are very much advocates for,” she said.

“One artist came in a full black and white face mask and did a solo dance inspired by Wednesday Addams; one dressed as a court jester.

 

“Every year we have a red carpet as well, so everyone has the chance to do a red carpet strut and feel like a celebrity.”

Attendees also learned the Macarena and joined in a lively caterpillar-style dance that snaked through the venue.

Sprung Dance Theatre is a disability-led not-for-profit arts organisation offering contemporary dance and performance programs for deaf and disabled artists. Its mission is to support career pathways and champion inclusive arts practices through workshops and ensemble performances.

The name Dis-Co Ball reflects the event’s purpose and spirit, merging dis for disability and co for community.

“It’s pretty rare to have an event in the Northern Rivers region where deaf and disabled artists are part of the decision making,” she said.

“Their ideas inform all different things, and we create the event together.

“This year we partnered with Tropical Fruits and really considered how we can create a welcoming and inclusive space.”

 

However, following an unsuccessful bid for further funding from the NSW Government’s arts and cultural body Create NSW, Sprung is now facing financial uncertainty.

“It puts the organisation in a pretty precarious position,” Constance said.

“It’s something we’re working through with our board at the moment as to what next year looks like. Sprung will continue but in reality we won’t have the resources to put on as many programs as in the past. Cuts to the National Disability Insurance Scheme have also had very real impacts. A lot of artists haven’t been able to return to programs this year.”

To donate, visit sprung.org.au/support