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"The disabled body comes in endless forms and varieties of capabilities. Some that are easily seen and others that are less obvious. While two people using wheelchairs may appear to be functionally identical, it's very possible, in fact it is likely, that they are vastly different in how they move and how they navigate the world around them and the stage beneath them. For me, years of dance training and performing have allowed me to create an illusion. When audiences see me reach across my body, give and share weight with another dancer, flip my wheelchair on its back and return it to its wheels, they imagine a person using superior upper body strength and core muscles. The reality is, I have limited function in my hand, and my core is as limp and paralyzed as my legs. Dance, for a performer with a disability, opens the door to a more complete understanding of their own body and its interesting and unique abilities.  I seek to invite others into understanding the complexities and beauty of the disabled body. Through conversation and performance."

~ Dwayne Scheuneman

About Dwayne Scheuneman 

Dwayne Scheuneman is Co-Founder, Artistic Director, Inclusive Dance Educator, and Dancer with REVolutions Dance.

Shortly after becoming paralyzed in a diving accident in 1995, Dwayne began competing in wheelchair track and field.  In 2002 he was looking for some sort of cross-training activity when a friend suggested he try taking a dance class. He started taking classes and was invited to perform and, from there, the rest is history.  While dancing, he discovered two things that he had not otherwise experienced in sports, a broader range of physical challenges and a deeper and more meaningful connection with his fellow dancers.

“Dance, specifically the creative process involved in dance, has led me to a deeper understanding of myself and my perspectives.  Connecting and creating with other people has encouraged me to consider and formulate my place in the world and what impact I want to have on it.  Physically speaking, managing my disabilities is never-ending, and dance is always helping me in developing my ability to move through the world.”

Dwayne received his BA in special education from the University of South Florida. He has been a professional dancer since 2002 and has conducted workshops around the US and the world having completed eight tours in six countries.

Being a former wheelchair athlete and having strong connections to the disabled community, Dwayne began reaching out to his disabled peers and inviting them to participate in different dance activities. In 2005, Dwayne along with his colleague Amie West decided to make it official and together they formed the nonprofit organization, REVolutions Dance.

REVolutions Dance believes in creating a safe learning environment that provides opportunity for all students to grow at their own pace.  REVolutions Dance draws from research-based teaching practices such as student-centered teaching and differentiated instruction to highlight and draw upon the interests and individuality of the students.  REVolutions Dance strives to create opportunities for collaboration between students as well as collaboration between students and teachers.

“Dance is important to our community because it has the ability to help people understand each other beyond the restrictions of language and personal biases.  It provides a tool for people to find similarities in their cultures, experiences, and lives in a creative and energizing experience and allows us to expand our humanity.”

Meet the REVTeam

Dwayne Scheuneman

Co-Founder, Artistic Director, Inclusive dance educator, dancer

Amie West

Co-Founder Emeritus

Marion Baldeon

Administration consultant, inclusive dance educator, dancer

Calandre Kielich

Project manager, REVYouth teacher and director

James Mario Bowen

Dancer, Dance educator

Sea Lee

Dancer, Inclusive Dance Teacher

Matilda Buffum

Intern