Dancing Dan: The wizard from Oz

Dan Daw says he has a love affair with dance and that chore­ography is like childbirth. He had no idea that he could dance professionally as a disabled man until he connected with Restless Dance Company in Adelaide, Australia who were the driving force behind his “stagger” onto the international stage. Now on tour with Candoco Dance Company’s Renditions, Dan Daw takes on these “awesome” questions.

What’s the best thing about being disabled?
Watching people’s faces as the cogs turn when I use the words “dance” and “disability” in the same sentence – priceless!

What funny things get said about your impairment?
My favourite is at airports when the metal detectors beep and they presumptively say, “Oh, you’ve got a metal hip”. “No”, I reply, “I’m wearing a belt”.  

What makes you angry?
The spatially unaware frustrate me. I think angry may be too strong a word. On buses and trains, commuters are told to “move right down inside the carriage”, but nobody ever does.

If you were Prime Minister, what would you do to improve things for disabled people?
I’d abolish the separatist special schools and special education within mainstream schools. We’re fighting for integration of disabled people into “mainstream” society because non-disabled children are taught that disabled children are different. This is done through curricular isolation.

What invention could make your life better?
A year-long summer in London would be incredible. I’ve just experienced my first UK summer; it’s now the last day, and summer’s already packing his bags, and heading south. I sure hope he stays for one last coffee…and a biscuit.

What do you like most about dance and choreography?
It’s the only job that allows me to have a wacky sense of self. I think in very abstract ways, and dance gives me the portal and the freedom to be able to do this in a totally supportive, non-judgemental working environment.   

What do you like least about it?
When my body doesn’t do what I’m telling it to do. This sometimes causes frustration, and I don’t like associating frustration with something I love.

Who’s your favourite disabled person ever?
The folk I work with are pretty cool. I don’t want to give reasons, as I’d have to use terms like, “brave”, “strong”, “inspirational”, “determined”, “against all odds”, “in the face of adversity”, and they would not like that at all.

Do you have any special or hidden talents?
I apparently do have hidden talents, but you’d have to ask me that question again after this glass of wine.