Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

In 2005, Dwayne Scheuneman and Amie West set out to introduce their local community to the creative and artistic contributions of artists with disabilities. At that time, there were no professional organizations in the area that were exploring ways to include disabled community members in their training and performance opportunities – and so began the mission of REVolutions Dance.

The duo filed as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in August of 2005 and REVolutions Dance became more than an idea; it became a living organization that would eventually grow into a cornerstone of the Tampa Bay Arts community. Dwayne and Amie began by collaborating with local dancers and choreographers to gain visibility and access to performance opportunities. In 2008, REVolutions Dance produced their first full length concert at Ruth Eckerd Hall Performing Arts Center. Since that time, REVolutions Dance has maintained a steady and consistent performance schedule and has established a national and international performing presence. Over the years, REVolutions Dance has performed nationally throughout the United States and internationally in Russia, Italy, China, and Palestine – to mention just a few.

In addition to performing, REVolutions Dance very quickly discovered a strong need for community outreach and education that moved beyond the stage and focused on creating opportunities for participants to engage in inclusive dance themselves. In 2010, team members from REVolutions Dance began to conduct a variety of community outreach and education programs which include dance classes for adults and children in the Tampa Bay area. The education and community building efforts provided by REVolutions Dance now extend beyond Tampa Bay to other areas of the US and around the globe.

Serving as one of the founding members and the current Artistic Director, Dwayne Scheuneman, continues to lead REVolutions Dance as it navigates 2020 and looks forward to the future even in these uncertain times.

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

Board of Directors

Kevin LaFlam
President
Board member since 2005
Retired disabled veteran
Eileen Hendricks
Secretary
Board member since 2010
Michele Caputo
Treasurer
Board member since 2005
Retired mental health counselor
Dr. Elizabeth Skwiot

Board member since 2014
English professor/personal trainer
Tony Mitchell

Board member since 2015
Special education teacher/life coach