Kinetic Light

About Access & Programs Support

A new relationship with gravity

Access as an Ethic:
Myriad Points of Entry to Wired

Alice, a multiracial Black woman with coffee-colored skin and short curly hair wearing shimmery deep red and Laurel, a white woman with cropped hair in gold with thick black shoulder straps, suspended in the air: arms outstretched, clasping hands. They are somehow upside down and horizontal at the same time, wheels shining and facing out; if they let go, they will swing like pendulums. Photo Robbie Sweeny

“There’s a strength, precision and grace that’s common of any professional dance performance. But then there’s something else: an honesty and vulnerability as the pair engages with the ramp, their chairs and each other.”
— EMILY NONKO, VICE

"Kinetic Light, a disability arts ensemble whose work is made by and for disabled people, has an ethic and aesthetic of access that is exceptionally thoughtful and thorough.
- BRIAN SEIBERT, THE NEW YORK TIMES

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The pleasure of wheels

“One could argue that, with Sara Hendren’s architectural ramp, it is actually a trio—poetic, passionate and, frankly, haaaawwwt. Sheppard and Lawson are remarkably precise, electric performers.”
— EVA YAA ASANTEWAA, DANCE CRITIC

Venus balances on the footplate of Andromeda’s wheelchair, arms spread wide and wheels spinning. Andromeda opens her arms wide to receive her in an embrace. They make eye contact and smile. A starry sky fills the background, and moonlight glints off their rims. Photo BRITT / Jay Newman

"Most moving performance of 2018" - Dance Magazine

In process, in flight, in joy

Alice Sheppard and Laurel Lawson soar in their wheelchairs in front of a bright green screen, each tipping sideways with arms extended. Laurel’s shadow flies next to her, on the right side green screen. Alice is a multiracial Black woman with short bright orange curly hair and coffee-colored skin; Laurel is a white person with pale skin and cropped peacock blue hair. They wear shimmery copper bodysuits overlaid with black mesh which shimmers in crimson, sapphire, and amethyst. They wear delicate filigree headpieces of copper and brass with pearl and gold beading. Photo Cherylynn Tsushima

Territory (2024) Revel in Your Body (2019) One + One Make Three (2021)

Workshops: Equity, Hospitality, Artistry

April 16: Access as Creative Practice
June 20: Accessible Events
August 22: Intro to Access Frameworks & Practice
October 17: Equitable Programming & Grantmaking
November 19: Centering Disability in Strategy, Systems, & Structures

A square of 20 stark white icons representing diverse forms of access, surrounded by text ACCESS ALL WAYS ALWAYS ALLways

Register Now for April, June, August, October, November sessions

Ramps as dance partners

On a wooden ramp with a curved 45 degree incline, Laurel Lawson wheels uphill to come nose-to-nose with Alice Sheppard. Kneeling, Alice grabs Laurel’s frame and stops her. Photo Jacob’s Pillow/Hayim Heron