Bowen Award in Inclusive Choreography Goes to Niamh O’Laughlin and John Heginbotham
Our take
The recent announcement that Niamh O’Laughlin and John Heginbotham are the 2025 recipients of the Bowen Award for Inclusive Choreography is a significant milestone in the world of dance. This award, with its $10,000 grant, is part of the Dance for PD® program from the Mark Morris Dance Group and aims to support choreographers who create new works in collaboration with individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. This initiative not only highlights the artistic contributions of these choreographers but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity in the arts. As we reflect on this moment, it is essential to consider how such initiatives align with broader movements in the dance community and beyond, such as those showcased in articles like Book review: Gavin Larsen and Gene Schiavone’s ‘Infinite Steps: Thirty-three Dancers and Their Lives in Ballet’ and Dance takes center stage in Lincoln Center’s ‘Summer for the City’.
The Bowen Award is not merely a financial grant; it symbolizes a commitment to breaking down barriers within the performing arts. By focusing on choreography that includes those living with Parkinson’s disease, O’Laughlin and Heginbotham are paving the way for a more diverse representation in dance. Their work allows for the exploration of how movement can be both a form of expression and a therapeutic practice, reinforcing the idea that dance is accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical challenges. This approach not only nurtures creativity but also fosters a sense of community and belonging among participants, further enriching the dance landscape.
Moreover, the recognition of choreographers who prioritize inclusivity echoes larger cultural conversations around body positivity and representation. In an era where the arts often reflect and shape societal values, initiatives like the Bowen Award challenge the traditional notions of who can dance and what their stories look like. They affirm that dance is a universal language that transcends age, ability, and background, resonating with the ethos of body positivity. As we see in the dance world, the commitment to inclusivity is becoming more evident, as highlighted in events such as the upcoming ABT’s 2026 Spring Gala honoring actress Katie Holmes for her contributions to the arts.
As we celebrate the accomplishments of O’Laughlin and Heginbotham, we should also engage in a broader dialogue about how we can further promote inclusivity in our own lives and communities. The dance community is a microcosm of society at large, and the principles of acceptance and body positivity can be applied beyond the studio. How can we, as individuals, create spaces where everyone feels empowered to express themselves freely? Whether through dance or other forms of artistic expression, the goal should be to foster environments where diversity is not just accepted but celebrated.
Looking ahead, the question remains: what other initiatives will emerge to support inclusivity within the arts? As we witness the transformative power of dance in the lives of individuals with Parkinson’s disease, we can only hope that the momentum will continue to grow, inspiring future generations of artists to prioritize inclusivity in their work. The future of dance is bright, and with awards like the Bowen Award leading the charge, we are bound to see even more innovative and inclusive approaches to choreography and performance.
Dance for PD®, a program of Mark Morris Dance Group, is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the Bowen Award for Inclusive Choreography, a $10,000 annual award supporting choreographers who create new work in collaboration with and for performance by people living with Parkinson’s disease.
Now entering its fifth year, the award was created in honor of choreographer and teaching artist Lucy Bowen, whose enduring legacy of artistic excellence and community-building has profoundly shaped dance in Washington, DC and throughout the United States. Building naturally on her 25-year tenure as Artistic Director of Bowen McCauley Dance, the award celebrates choreographers whose work champions accessibility, inclusion, creativity, and collaboration. It is made possible through the visionary generosity of Ms. Bowen and a dedicated community of supporters.
“This award continues Lucy’s vision of welcoming the Parkinson’s community into the creative process of dance,” said David Leventhal, Program Director of Dance for PD. “We’re thrilled to recognize two outstanding choreographers this year whose projects honor the intelligence, creativity, and artistry of people living with Parkinson’s while offering meaningful opportunities for collaboration and performance.”
The 2025 Bowen Award Recipients are Niamh O’Loughlin and John Heginbotham in partnership with the New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA).
Irish dance artist Niamh O’Loughlin, based in Dundee, Scotland, will collaborate with members of the Dance for Parkinson’s program at Perth Concert Hall to create Spell Body, a short dance film inspired by the poetic confessions of Isobel Gowdie, a 17th-century Scottish woman accused of witchcraft. The film will explore themes of transformation, mischief, memory, and resilience through guided improvisation, storytelling, and participant-led creative choices. Working closely with filmmaker Lucas Kao and composer David MacFarlane, O’Loughlin will shape a co-created film that foregrounds participant voices and integrates imagery from both studio and natural landscapes.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with this group for the past five years, and the depth of connection, creativity, and trust we’ve built makes this the perfect moment for a more ambitious journey together,” said O’Loughlin. “This project is designed to celebrate the imagination, humour, and generosity of the participants, and to transform their stories and voices into a shared work of art.”
Brooklyn-based choreographer and Dance for PD founding teacher John Heginbotham will partner with the New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) to lead the ENCORE Parkinson’s Dance Project, a multigenerational initiative bringing together participants from NOBA’s Dance for Parkinson’s Program, Senior Dance Fitness Program, and Pre-Professional Program (ages 12–18). Building on his long-standing relationship with NOBA, Heginbotham will design and set a large-scale live performance with up to 40 participants across these programs. The project will culminate in a premiere during NOBA’s Evening of DanceSpring Concert at Tulane University’s Dixon Hall in May 2026.
“I’m honored to collaborate with NOBA on a project that brings together such a wide range of participants—young students, seniors, and people with Parkinson’s,” said Heginbotham. “The ENCORE project is an opportunity to create a work that highlights the artistry and vitality of every generation, and to show how dance can connect communities across age and ability.”
The Bowen Award for Inclusive Choreography awards up to $10,000 to choreographers for the creation and performance of new collaborative work with people living with Parkinson’s. Awardees are selected through a competitive process by an expert committee of professional choreographers and dance experts. For more information about the Bowen Award, please visit https://danceforparkinsons.org/resources/bowen-award/.
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