Ray Carpenter
Dancer

Ray Carpenter began his dance career in 2003 by studying mixed-mobility dance with Elizabeth Edelson, a dance/movement therapist in Tampa. Though he always had a strong interest in dance, he was hesitant to begin studying due to his quadriplegia and the unknown of what mixed-mobility dance was all about. After only a few months of dance technique and attending any and every dance workshop available, Ray discovered and nurtured his newly acquired talent in dance. He soon joined the dance company, "Asher Dance Eclectic" - a mixed-mobiity dance company located in Tampa. His debut performance was in "Driven" which was held at the University of South Florida in April, 2004.

 

As a core company dancer, Ray toured and performed for numerous events throughout Central Florida including the Ms. Wheelchair Florida Pageants, The National Junior Disability Championship Games, Deaf and Hearing Connection Annual Gala, The Multiple Sclerosis Society Annual Conference, "Silent Night Live" at St. Petersburg College, City of Dunedin's Annual Diversity Awareness Events, Ruth Eckerd Hall's production of "Fusion" (2006) and numerous locations as a visiting artist for VSA arts of Florida. Ray coordinates and implements workshops in mixed-mobility dance and performs on the board of M.A.D. Theatre of Tampa as liason to disability groups and advocates. To Ray, dance has become part of his journey in his endless pursuit to live life to its fullest. He currently resides in Safety Harbor with his beautiful wife, Ann.

 

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