This study intended to provide people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder a creative outlet to experience dance and other art forms as a way of expressing themselves. Other potential benefits were observed throughout the exploration, including social interaction, coordination, and confidence. An interpretive phenomenological research model analyzed participant and parent verbal reflections, written feedback, and video recorded movement sessions to understand and interpret the participant's experience and the potential value of creative movement. The study was conducted over a seven-week period, which included 13, 30-minute movement sessions held biweekly along with interviews, discussions, surveys, and journaling. The research revealed dance empowered each participant to explore his/her creativity and exercise personal expression. The feedback received from the participants and parents through interviews and reflections revealed the participants did exercise and discover social, physical, emotional, and creative expression throughout the study.
The ASU School of Dance presents School of Dance LIVE!, September 7-9, with works by dance faculty, performed at Galvin Playhouse.
The ASU School of Dance presents Emerging Artists I, February 15-18, with works by guest artists, dance faculty, and undergrad students, performed at Dance Studio Theatre, PEBE 132.
The ASU School of Dance presents Fabrications, January 27-28, with works by undergrad students, performed in PEBW 139 and 140.
The ASU School of Dance presents Fall Graduate Concert, October 29, with works by MFA students Rebecca Blair Hillerby, Micaela Church, Emily Newman, Karryn Allen, Rebecca A. Ferrell, Ashlee Ramsey, John Leonard, and Randi L. Frost, performed at the Dance Studio Theatre.
The ASU School of Dance presents The Dance Annual, April 15-17, with works by dance faculty, alumni, graduate, undergraduate, and visiting artists, performed at Margaret Gisolo Dance Studio.
The ASU School of Dance presents Emerging Artists II, November 5-7, with works by dance MFA candidates Rebecca A. Ferrell, Rebecca Blair Hillerby, and Crystal Bedford, performed at the Margaret Gisolo Dance Studio.