Perfectly Normal for Me

Description
In this intimate documentary, a group of kids from ages 5 to 15 reveal what it’s like to live with a variety of physical and developmental challenges. Alexandria, Jake, Caitlin, and Veronica struggle to be included in a world that largely avoids them.

As this moving narrative unfolds, the kids’ devoted parents seek out opportunities for them to feel valued, including a unique after-school dance program in Queens, NY. There, the kids join with teenage volunteer helpers with an ambitious goal: a spring recital. In the process they create an inclusive environment too often absent in our world.

Following the film, veteran local teacher Angela Rose Dorantes, owner of Steppin’ Out Dance Studio will lead an onstage discussion with students from her danceABILITIES class, who will talk about how dance has benefited their bodies and their lives. Ms. Dorantes founded danceABILITIES in 2000 when she saw the need in the community for creating an inclusive environment for children and teens with disabilities to learn to dance. Read the SF Chronicle article about Olivia Byers-Straus, Ms. Dorantes’ student of 21 years, who now teaches her own danceABILITIES class at Steppin’ Out.

Perfectly Normal for Me
United States | 2017 | 57 minutes | Director: Catherine Tambini
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Additional Credits

Lead Dancers Jenifer Ringer, Veronica Siaba, Caitlin and Allison McConnell, Alexandria and Maya Vega, Jake Ehrlich | Producer Elizabethe Hemmerdinger, Catherine Tambini | Production Company Treasure Film LLC | Director of Photography Matt Porwoll, Catherine Tambini |
Composer Paul Brill | Executive Producer Laverne Berry, Sharon Hite | Sound Recordist Peter Miller | Editor Emma Joan Morris | Creative Consultant Cynthia Lopez

COMMUNITY PARTNER
AXIS Dance Company