For ICAF 2023 Dançando com a Diferença will be bringing their latest work, “GABO”, a children’s and family show where differences are highlighted so that young people and children can make their own interpretation of the way certain communities are treated within society. The name of the show, GABO, is also the name of the puppet who, like his fellow dancers, uses the stage to inspire questions about his own limitations, and place in wider society. Difference and equality, ugliness and beauty, reality and illusion, possibility and limitation, all become contemplated through the presence of GABO, a puppet manipulated by the dancers, leading audiences towards a greater appreciation of humanity at large.
Dançando com a Diferença, which translates to ‘Dancing with Differences’, originate from the Portuguese island of Madeira. For more than 21 years Dançando com a Diferença has been making dance performances with people who experience limitations (and possibilities), under the inspiring leadership of the dance pedagogue Henrique Amoedo, gaining national and international recognition in the process.
Dançando com a Diferença’s ambitious strategy is to move beyond the traditionally limiting boundaries of the dance/ability sector and to be included in the regular international performing arts scene. To achieve this, they frequently work with established national and international choreographers, that help to push the boundaries towards inclusivity.