Teri Westerman-Wagner

Teri Westerman-Wagner is an unsung hero of the Denver arts community. Her courage and  steadfastness have immeasurably impacted how the Denver Arts community perceives  those with disabilities.  

In 2012 she founded Spoke-N-Motion, one of the only non-profit fully integrated dance  companies within the Denver area. She was also a founding member of PHAMALY in 1989.  Living with disabilities, Mrs. Wagner, and her classmates from Boettcher School, grew frustrated with the lack of theatrical opportunities for disabled artists. In 1990 PHAMALy,  as a non-profit organization, produced its first show, Guys and Dolls. The company is now  known as PTC, Phamaly Theatre Company.  

Mrs. Wagner’s contributions to the arts started at age 11, square dancing with Colorado  Wheelers. She also completed 3 years of training with The Dancing Wheels Company and  School in Cleveland, OH, and trained in Belgium, in wheelchair ballroom dance. She has  also been a competitive Wheelchair Ballroom Dancer having a 4th place International  standing and a 1st place State standing in Colorado.  

Her leadership and adaptability have made it possible for many people who would not  have had the opportunity prior to her efforts to express their emotions through dance. Her  contributions to the integrated dance world have been a launching point for many others in  the Denver area. 

Mrs. Wagner is also currently a company dancer with Ballet Arts Theatre and Berthoud  Dance Company and has enjoyed dancing on stages throughout metro Denver and public school programs that help to bring understanding to people with disabilities. In the years  since Spoke-N-Motion began, it has had over 20 different outreach performances  throughout the front range area.  

Mrs. Wagner brings the culture of inclusion to an organization. Her innovative, behind  the scenes journey participating in the arts has been essential to the growth of the 

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*Each organization nominated their honoree with an essay. Those essays are posted here, as submitted, to maintain the organization's unique voice and authenticity.

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