Education
Circle O creates pedagogical spaces that allow people to question hierarchical models that prioritize a euro-centric “sameness” of perception, movement and form.
We stand by the fact that people are experts of their own embodiment. Our role, across the many disciplines we teach, is to invite rigorous curiosity, embolden agency, and provide a container of alternative lineages that marginalized communities have forged to make art and be together.
“Ensure the well-being of the person first, for it is only then that the true essence of teaching can flourish.”
KAYLA HAMILTON
Founder & Artistic Director,
Circle O
Educational Offerings
Residencies
Invite Kayla Hamilton, the founder and executive director of Circle O, to set work or teach. Due to the nature of her access-first approach, her work is also highly valuable to departments such as Dance, English, Disability Studies, and more.
Recommended Duration: 2 days to 2 weeks
Previous Residencies: University of Iowa, Houston Community College, Spelman
Community Specific Workshops/Engagements
These are tailored experiences that address what your organization or community is desiring around dance accessibility, teaching strategies, culturally responsive pedagogies, audio description.
Examples of past workshops and engagements:
Cultural responsive education
Audio description
Disability Justice
Social Emotional Learning
6-12 Special Education teaching strategies
Dance
Accessible movement practices
Accessible Movement Practices
Circle O offers movement based experiences for people who do and do not identify as dancers. Offering solo and group choreographic material, these classes integrate access forms like audio description as a means of generating movement. Consider it an opportunity to get to know ourselves and each other at least 1% better.
K-12 Teacher Professional Development
Drawing upon 12 years of experience in full-time special education in the New York City public school system, Circle O offers a range of professional development for K-12 educators which includes Social Emotional Learning, Special Education teaching strategies, and support for new teachers.
We introduce educators to practices intended to support students with disabilities and center the experiences of students who are further marginalized by race, gender, and class. Our teaching models work for children K-12 in subjects across the arts & humanities.
As artists and educators, we make sure our trainings engage the whole person, providing multimodal experiences for educators to digest the content.
Teaching Artist Professional Development
Circle O provides professional development for teaching artists that go into K-12 schools or other classroom settings, helping them navigate:
Classroom management
Teaching students with disabilities
Integrating the adults in the room
Designing a rubric for grading
If you know dance but you don’t know how to run a classroom, let us help!
Audio Description Practice
We offer an in-depth dive into the art of Audio Description, not only as a tangible way to make work that is more accessible to the blind and sight impaired, but also as a way to question the gap between what we perceive and how we understand in a sight-centered world.
The layered craft of interpretation and communication, which is revealed through the act of describing, is both creative and political. It should not be an afterthought, and should be as complex and rich as the performance itself.
GROUP WORKSHOP
In this group workshop, we discuss the nuts and bolts of Audio Description both as a tangible access practice, a developing historical craft, and a creative tool to better articulate what we are making (and who it is for).
We’ll help you find entry points into how the practice can be done, discussing: tone and voice, script writing, what you are describing and why, going from micro to macro, showing not telling, making sure it’s culturally relevant, and how to describe things ethically. This workshop is appropriate for describers and non-describers.
INDIVIDUALIZED SUPPORT
We offer 1 hour virtual sessions for choreographers who want to integrate Audio Description (AD) into their process. It includes an ‘AD for Performance 101’ packet and coaches each choreographer on how they might thoughtfully describe specific aspects or sections of their work.
We are committed to expanding Audio Description from process to performance in the dance field, with the understanding that people who do not experience dance primarily through sight deserve a layered and rich experience of the art form.
We believe that integrating this perspective will make the performance richer and more layered for anyone making or engaging with dance. That is why we offer this service at a ‘pay as you wish’ sliding scale.
$200 suggested
Educational support for all needs and timelines
Bringing in Kayla Hamilton/Circle O to teach can be anything from a one-time workshop to a months-long residency. Below is pricing guidance; reach out for a customized quote.
One-off Engagements
Ranging from $900-2,000
2 days - 2 weeks
Ranging from $2,000-5,000
3 weeks+
Starts at $5,000
Experience & Credentials
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Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies (ongoing)
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Advanced Certificate in Teacher of Blind/Visually Impaired (ongoing)
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Professional Development for NYC Dance Teachers
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MS. Ed in 7-12 Special Education
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Bachelors of Art in Dance and Guest Artist in Dance
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Professional Development for Teaching Artists
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Department of Dance Teaching Residency
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Guest Lecturer in Dance
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Professional Development for Teaching Artists
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Guest Artist in Dance
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Guest Artist in Dance
"In 2023, the University of Iowa Department of Dance was lucky to have Kayla for a one-week teaching residency. Her impact on our students and our entire community was profound, and for many of them created a paradigm shift, redefining what dance can be and do in the world."
STEPHANIE MIRACLE
Choreographer and Teaching Artist
“As a beacon of compassion and empathy in the realm of special education, Kayla embodies the epitome of patience, kindness, and genuine care. Her pedagogical methodology is underscored by an unwavering commitment to prioritizing the humanity of each individual. Her influence continues to illuminate my journey as I navigate the intricacies of teaching."
WARRICK BALFOUR
NYCDOE Teaching Assistant