Darlene Winters, President and Artistic Director of Company d, is a lifelong student of dance. With a Master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology, she discovered a unique way to combine her clinical expertise with dance and theater methodologies. Through this fusion, she effectively enhances communication skills, language, and literacy for individuals with intellectual disabilities—primarily the dancers of Company d. Darlene’s work focuses on nurturing these dancers as artists, fostering their creative expression through choreography and performance. Her enthusiasm and dedication are evident with every step, turn, and leap.
Early in her career, Darlene contributed to forming the steering committee for the inaugural VSA Workshop in Tennessee. VSA (founded by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith) promotes arts and education opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This experience guided Darlene to integrate communication, dance, and theater, leading her to direct and choreograph inclusive stage productions for children. Her involvement expanded to various private schools, community programs, and organizations like the School of Communication Science and Disorders at the University of Memphis and Arts Memphis.
Darlene pioneered original summer camp programs such as “Express Yourself” and “Blabber Jabber,” using literacy as a springboard to teach fundamental dance elements, spark imagination, and build self-esteem in young children through the arts. As a teaching artist for the Center for Arts Education and Arts Memphis, she led numerous residencies and workshops, impacting both students and educators and encouraging the integration of arts in educational curricula.
Currently, Darlene continues her private speech-language pathology practice and serves as a Clinical Supervisor for master’s-level students at the School of Communication Science and Disorders. She initiated the Language Learning Lab in 2012 to support adults with Down syndrome. To continue providing top-quality artistic leadership, Darlene remains a student of dance, attending classes at various institutes, including Collage Dance Collective and Project Motion in Memphis, as well as studying with renowned instructors in New York and Chicago.
Awards & Accolades:
- University of Memphis, School of Communication Science and Disorders, 2014 Outstanding Alumni
- University of Memphis, College of Arts and Science, 2011 Outstanding Alumni
- Jefferson Award 2011, Memphis representative to the National Jefferson Awards in Washington, D.C.
- Featured in The Commercial Appeal: “12 Who Made a Difference” (December 28, 2008)
- Hands on Memphis, Spirit of Giving Award, May 2, 2008
- Partners in Progress Award, Down Syndrome Association of Memphis, 2006