An Afternoon of CounterBalance: MOMENTA Dance Company’s 14th Annual Performance Leaves Lasting Impact

MOMENTA Dance Company's 14th annual CounterBalance performance, held on October 19th and 20th, at the Center on Halsted, was a vivid celebration of disability art and a testament to the transformative power of inclusive performance. In an 80-minute showcase, CounterBalance brought forward the live demonstration of various components osf disability culture: access, creativity, and representation. The performances called to mind Kuppers and Wakefield’s notion of disability culture as one that “speaks for itself, claims ground, reinvents art practice, and changes the way people tell stories” (p. 273). These themes were powerfully woven into the production, emphasizing accessibility and artistic expression while placing the lived experiences of disabled artists and audience members at the center.

A standout piece was Joán Joel’s Can Deaf Dance, an innovative exploration of the intersections between sign language, Deaf culture, and dance. This performance challenged traditional assumptions around music, rhythm, and movement, expanding the concept of what it means to "dance." By incorporating sign language as an integral part of the choreography, Joel demonstrated that dance need not be limited to sound and music but can instead embody various forms of communication. In celebrating Deaf culture and language, Can Deaf Dance reminded the audience that dance is about much more than movement; it is a profound expression of identity, community, and storytelling.

The Community Suite: Riding the Waves, choreographed by Robby Williams also stood out to me. Inspired by imagery of animals and marine life, the piece celebrated the diversity of movement, emphasizing how every body brings its unique rhythm and style to a collective whole. This was a beautiful embodiment of Carrie Sandahl’s insights into the work of disabled artists, who she describes as communicating “unique bodily, mental, and sensory experiences of the world” through their art (pg 267). The ensemble’s varied movements, some expansive and sweeping, others controlled and intricate, created a lively and textured portrayal of unity in diversity, highlighting the richness of disability as a cultural experience.

Another thought-provoking moment of the afternoon was In Response to the Ugly Laws. Introduced by Michael Herzovi, who provided historical context, the piece was both an homage to resilience and a defiant reclamation of public space. The "Ugly Laws" were ordinances that once made it illegal for visibly disabled people to appear in public, with Chicago being one of the last cities to repeal such laws in 1974. Herzovi’s opening remarks, emphasizing the significance of disabled joy and visibility as acts of resistance, added depth to what followed. Set to the lively classic “Do You Love Me” by the Contours, the piece featured Bee Bolino, Tatiana Castañeda, and Ladonna Freidheim in an energetic performance that was both playful and powerful. Their movements, full of exuberance and freedom, defied historical attempts to suppress and erase disabled bodies, celebrating the joy and agency of disabled people in a vibrant and public way.

In the context of disability studies, these performances offered more than just artistic representation; they embodied a cultural shift in how disability is perceived. Rather than framing disability as a limitation, CounterBalance celebrated it as a source of rich and varied experiences that contribute meaningfully to the arts. The performances confronted viewers with the reality that disability is not something that needs to be “overcome” but instead something that can be deeply appreciated and expressed through dance. Each artist brought their experiences to the stage in ways that felt deeply personal yet universally resonant, bridging gaps in understanding and fostering a sense of shared humanity.

The impact of CounterBalance extended beyond the theater walls, continuing in conversations among friends, families, and fellow attendees. The post-show reflections on the themes of access, representation, and identity demonstrated the power of art to not only entertain but also to challenge deeply ingrained perceptions. In discussions with my friends afterward, we shared our responses to the performances and exchanged personal stories that highlighted how disability culture shapes lives in ways that go beyond art and dance. These conversations reflected the potential of disability art to connect people and inspire reflection, a true testament to the transformative power of disability-inclusive performance.

As MOMENTA Dance Company continues to push the boundaries of dance and accessibility, it stands as a vital force in the disability arts community. Through CounterBalance, MOMENTA amplifies the voices and talents of disabled artists, encouraging audiences to see dance not as a product of “normal” physicality but as a space where all bodies can express themselves. This event showcased that disability art does not just fit within the realm of dance; it broadens its horizons, redefines its standards, and enriches its cultural landscape. For those interested in learning more about MOMENTA Dance Company, future performances, and the talented artists who make CounterBalance possible, please visit their website. 

References

Kuppers, P. and Wakefield, M. (2009). Disability culture. In Burch, S. Encyclopedia of american disability history, volumes 1-3. (pp. 269-274) Facts On File, Incorporated.

Sandahl, C. (2009). Disability art and artistic expression. In Burch, S. Encyclopedia of american disability history, volumes 1-3. (pp 264-268). Facts On File, Incorporated.

Bio: Chelsea is a PhD candidate in the Disability Studies program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Chelsea is also an occupational therapist with professional experience working in collaboration with young children with disabilities and their families and neurodivergent adults. Her current research interests are gaining a better understanding of how childhood disability delivery systems, such as Early Intervention, influence caregivers’ meaning-making around disability, child development, and family values.