Founded in 2001, Cia. Dançando com a Diferença (Dancing With Difference) is an Inclusive Dance company based in Madeira (Portugal), which, over its 20 years of activity, has developed the concept of inclusive dance through a range of artistic practices. The company’s ongoing work – both in Madeira and in the city of Viseu, where it has a residential hub at Teatro Viriato – focuses on bringing together dancers with and without disabilities on stage.

Henrique Amoedo, the project’s founder and mentor, created the concept of Inclusive Dance. Under his Artistic Direction, Dançando com a Diferença has become internationally recognised for its performances, which push the limits of the body and the “difference” of its diverse dancers.

A love of challenge and a sense of daring are two strong components of the company’s work. Dançando com a Diferença has developed a unique aesthetic and an extraordinary artistic and social environment, through which it seeks to change the perception of the “disabled” body and thus contribute to fresh conceptions regarding artistic work that involves people with disabilities.

Over the years, Dançando com a Diferença has collaborated with a range of artists from contemporary dance, often providing them with their first experience in the world of inclusive dance. These artists include Henrique Rodovalho, Clara Andermatt, Paulo Ribeiro, Rui Horta, Rui Lopes Graça, Tânia Carvalho, La Ribot, Patrick Murrys, Vera Mantero and recently François Chaignaud and Marlene Monteiro Freitas.