Abilities Dance Boston to Present Original Compositions in Concert Celebrating Disability Arts

Abilities Dance Boston will present The Music of Abilities Dance Boston concert at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7 at Hibernian Hall in Roxbury, featuring approximately 10 original compositions performed by a live 13-person ensemble conducted by Music Director Andrew Choe. The event marks the first time these works, created by composers Andrew Choe, Robert Gross, and Erin Rogers for the company's dance performances, will be presented together in a dedicated musical showcase.

The concert represents a significant moment for disability arts advocacy, bringing the musical component of Abilities Dance performances to center stage. Founder and Executive Director Ellice Patterson emphasized that the original compositions serve as more than mere accompaniment to dance, functioning as vehicles for challenging ableism and reimagining artistic expression when diverse voices are included. This approach aligns with the company's broader mission of expanding access and representation in Greater Boston's performing arts landscape.

The November 7 showcase forms part of Abilities Dance's performing company program, which provides equitable employment opportunities for disabled and diverse artists and administrators. Each performance incorporates intersectional themes including climate justice, racial equity, and accessibility, demonstrating how artistic expression can address complex social issues through multiple sensory experiences.

Accessibility remains a cornerstone of the event, with ASL interpretation provided to ensure an inclusive experience for all audience members. Ticket pricing reflects this commitment to accessibility, with general admission set at $35 alongside free and sliding scale options available through https://abilitiesdanceboston.org. This pricing structure acknowledges economic barriers that often prevent full participation in cultural events while maintaining sustainable operations for the organization.

Since its establishment in 2017, Abilities Dance Boston has worked to redefine performing arts by centering artists with disabilities and advocating for inclusion through dance and music. The organization's impact extends beyond individual performances, contributing to broader cultural shifts in how disability is represented and valued in artistic spaces. The concert represents an important step in recognizing the creative contributions of disabled artists and composers, challenging traditional hierarchies that often marginalize disability perspectives in artistic production.

The Music of Abilities Dance Boston concert demonstrates how specialized arts programming can serve as both artistic expression and social commentary, creating spaces where disability is celebrated as creative asset rather than limitation. By presenting original compositions outside their original dance context, the event invites audiences to engage with the musical artistry on its own terms while understanding its role within the company's larger artistic vision. This approach has implications for how arts organizations conceptualize accessibility, suggesting that true inclusion involves not just physical access but meaningful representation across all artistic elements.