Stronger Together - Shropshire Inclusive Dance Impact Report 2020/21

IMPACT REPORT 2020/2021

STRONGER TOGETHER

Credit: Ming De Nasty

Creating and embracing dancing together from home

www.sidance.live

WELCOME Welcome to our 2020/2021 Impact Report, and what an extraordinarily, challenging year it has been.

Despite the challenges SiD reached out more than ever, forming new and exciting collaborations, attending dance network meetings, asking for help when we needed it and finding solace and support in dancing together.

Digital practice and new collaborations opened up a whole new world, allowing SiD to stay connected to; our community groups, Contact Dancers, Highflyers Youth Dance Company members, friends, parent carers and the wider arts community.

We ran hundreds of online classes, participated in numerous dance projects, made a film, commissioned a professional photographer, acted as a guide and mentor, applied for charity status and submitted funding bids. We have worked to ensure our continuation as a deeply committed, artistically driven dance company.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us, danced with us, listened, supported the SiD team to continue with purpose and energy. Many have shown kindness when we needed it most, our funders, board member, friends and dancers – who are incredible.

Moving towards the future with hope, Ray & Rachel

Impact Report Contents:

1

02

What we do and our core values

03

Focus on Highflyers Youth Dance Company

05

Contact Dance Company

07

Summary of online delivery

08

Training, advisory work and mentoring work

09

Who we are

10

How we are funded

11

Future plans, Governance and contact details

Credit: Ming De Nasty

Our mission To create environments where people from all backgrounds and all abilities can participate in the sheer joy of dancing together.

To create high quality, powerful inclusive dance performance.

People who benefited from our activity in 2020/21

774

participants of all ages and abilities

6500

engagements on our social media platforms

7000 64000 views on our website posts, blogs and films

views of our social media posts

SiD facilitated 123 Inclusive participatory sessions / Commissioned freelance artists for a total of 230 days.

What we do

Our core values

SiD is committed to inclusive dance practice.

Since 2012, we have delivered distinct, exemplary, creatively driven dance projects and weekly classes that promote community cohesion and inclusion.

Inclusion: We value inclusion and dignity for all.

We make powerful performances with our very own Contact Dance Company We lead workshops for children, young people and adults, creating a supportive, creative and empowering dance environment.

SiD delivers inclusive dance training to dance practitioners, health workers and professionals.

We are committed to making our workshops and classes accessible for everyone.

Respect: We respect the individual needs and beliefs of our company members, participants, volunteers and staff. We respect the individual artistry of our performers, participants and artistic team.

Quality: We strive to create and share performances to a high artistic and production standard. We uphold professionalism throughout our organisation whilst creating safe spaces for creativity to thrive, recognizing that our differences make us stronger.

Connection: Focusing on the energy that exists

between people, we invest time, energy and attention in building relationships, using dance as a vehicle to nourish and strengthen people and communities.

Artistry: We believe that artistry is at the core of dance, society, democracy, joy and human expression Enjoyment: We know that gaining enjoyment from

The work of SID is again very high quality and as a board member I can see from inside just how much work is done, the commitment and the strength of the company rests on the quality of the dance delivered”

participating in dance impacts directly on health, happiness and well-being. We feel that enjoyment is vital throughout our organisation, from the boardroom to the stage and everywhere in between.

– Jessica Kent, Arts for Health 2

INTRODUCING:

Highflyers Youth Dance Company

Highflyers Online

Film: Into The Light

Highflyers was due to launch in March 2020, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.

We reconfigured the programme delivering an online package of free online dance classes and creative downloadable worksheets for young people and as a useful resource for teachers and workshop leaders.

Highflyers made a film in collaboration with Highflyers dancers. The dance film captured the shift from ‘home dancing’ to meeting the SiD team and dancing in person for the first time.

Placing 6 young people centre stage, they dance how they feel right now - in 5 different locations in Shropshire. Filmed by a professional film filmmaker, the film captures immediate, intimate, playful dancing and beautiful ‘portraits’ of each individual dancer.

We also delivered fortnightly Highflyers Zoom sessions from April 2020, they are still going strong over a year on.

SiD dance artists Anna and Delphine began taking part in Beyond Borders with Highflyers Youth Dance Company.

Beyond Borders was an ambitious regionwide participation Dance Development Leaders Group (DDLG) project that bought together dance artists, aspiring young leaders, young people, digital artists, and a variety of specialists to collaborate and produce an original work in response to One with Nature.

This theme was chosen by over 100 young people. Beyond Borders 2021 focused on a creative enquiry approach to dance and digital collaboration and the unique experiences and perspectives of young people as lockdown restrictions began to ease.

I am thrilled and excited at the prospect of collaborating with a fantastic team of artists from across the region and having a creative opportunity for our young people to explore, learn, share and develop with others. A digital collaboration creates the chance to meet new people, explore new technologies and allow our young people to feel they are seen and heard.”

– Anna Belyavin, Shropshire Inclusive Dance (Professional Dance Artist)

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Into The Light was selected for MY DANCE DIGITAL 2021. MY DANCE DIGITAL 2021 is the Midlands regional platform of U.Dance, a national celebration of performance by young people aged 11 – 25 years.

The platform showcases some of the most exciting young dancers in the Midlands an opportunity to champion young people’s dance and choreography.

Into The Light was also screened at Flexus Dance Collective, ‘Expedition’ platform, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton and New Horizons Digital Dance Platform, Black Country Dance.

“Wow - so lovely to watch and the film is so well crafted. A delight - in fact one of the best dance films I have seen this lockdownthanks for sharing.” - Audience feedback “The best dance film I’ve seen in ages!

This film is amazing SiD and embodies all that is best in life.”- Audience feedback

DanceConnect 2020 saw the World Premiere of the DanceConnect Story. SiD were delighted to be part of this project with Highflyers members Owen and Ellie.

DanceConnect took place between May - July 2020 during COVID-19 lockdown and every part of the project was online and filmed by participants on their devices. Over 60 young people took part in the first phase and a further 40 joined in with creative challenges and extended research.

Holding Hands

with Flexus Youth Dance Collective Highflyers had a wonderful time working on Holding Hands 2021. Flexus Dance Collective marked the 12 month lock-down anniversary by building upon the ‘A Captured Moment Digital Festival’ which they initiated in 2020.

Flexus Dance Collective connected 16 Youth Dance Companies Internationally, to create an ambitious, collaborative dance film with over 175 young people, including Highflyers dancers.

Film premiered May 2021.

Director of Ascension Dance, Ashley Jordan (AJ) worked with Rachel to share dance practice and explore what it means to be creative whilst confined to our homes.

Young people from Ascension Dance worked with young people from Shropshire Inclusive Dance to create a unique dance film.

Arts Connect and producers DanceXchange orchestrated the project which ran from May to August 2020, DanceConnect is a dance and digital experiment exploring how we can collaborate remotely across borders and boundaries, using movement and phones.

Credit: Ming De Nasty

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CONTACT DANCE COMPANY Plethu a year long project in Wales

Explore workshops

Contact company dancers, Chloe and Mervyn have been working alongside Rachel and Ray to deliver a really successful project in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The SiD team worked with local dance artists, local families, a dance group based at The Torch Theatre in Milford Haven and participants from Clynfyw Care Farm in Abercych Sadly, the final visit to Wales, due to COVID restrictions, meant that just Rachel and Ray visited. It was a successful two days; local dancers got the opportunity to dance together for the first time since March 2020 and we were able to share our experiences of teaching digitally and facilitating COVID safe dance workshops.

SiD worked with a small group from Clynfyw , a great opportunity to enjoy dancing together and focusing on building creative relationships between residents and support workers.

The first of our inclusive Explore workshops led by co director Rachel Liggitt was a great success.

A small group of Contact Dance members met in person, when we could, to reconnect with our bodies and explore together for the first-time in a long time.

SiD hosted its second creative workshop for dancers with experience, online in March 2021.

Dance artist Cai Tomas led a wonderfully inspiring 1.5-hour session. Cai is a dance artist, maker, and art psychotherapist. His work centres around participatory practice and facilitating arts and health work with people of all ages both in London hospitals, care homes and in theatre settings.

We hope to invite Cai back to work with us in the studio.

The residency has been a great experience for us, and we would like to thank Maynard, Abercych for the opportunity and looking after us all so well.

Dancing Together Apart Portrait Project SiD commissioned photographer Ming de Nasty to capture photographs of Contact company members dancing at home. Ming’s intimate, moving portraits capture dancers participating in SiD’s Zoom dance classes, performing their own choreographed solos and capture the close relationships with family members. These stunning images, set in the backdrop of their own home, will form a powerful exhibition, touring 2022.

Credit: Ming De Nasty

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SPOTLIGHT ON CONTACT DANCE COMPANY MEMBERS CHLOE AND KEVIN

Credit: Ming De Nasty

Introducing Chloe Shepherd

Introducing Kevin Shepherd

Chloe is a member of Contact Dance Company, joining in 2012. Chloe has 3 older sisters and lives in stunning surroundings near Bewdley, Worcestershire.

Coming from an incredibly artistic family Chloe loves to draw, write, paint, bake and go for walks. She loves to dance, and Contact Dance gives her ample opportunity to express herself alongside a network of dancing friends which she holds very dear.

Kevin is 67 and joined Contact Dance Company in 2015, he is married and has 4 daughters and 7 grandchildren. Chloe lives at home and his other daughters live nearby, he loves his very big garden and small piece of woodland.

One of Chloe’s highlights is making a duet with her father Kevin in 2017, Father Daughter is inspired by Kevin and Chloe’s shared love of dance and their family home, a secluded cottage nestled in a wood.

Kevin has always been a dancer, dancing in a Morris dancing group with Chloe and his wife Jude for many years. Kevin feels it is a great privilege dancing, rehearsing and performing with Contact Dance and feels we ‘are working to the highest limits of our abilities’, creating meaningful, impactful work that touches people’s hearts.

“We witness the hard work of winter life at the cottage, the chopping of wood and the fuelling of fires. Throughout the narrative, Chloe’s journey to maturity is conveyed by hints of gentle conflict between father and daughter; her desire for independence confronting his awareness that parental protectiveness must now be accompanied by detachment and an encouragement of freedom. He retreats into the shadows and we are left with Chloe in a spotlight, standing alone, venturing forth as her own self-reliant woman” - Audience Member

As a dancer who loves to perform, SiD has provided opportunities Kevin never dreamt possible - travelling to Malta, touring Being Seen choreographed by Jo Fong (2019) and Unknown Places choreographed

by Joanna Young (2018) It has given additional focus and purpose to Kevin’s life and he is a brilliant advocate for the company’s work and friend to individual company members.

In November 2017 Chloe travelled with her father to Valetta in Malta to attend a symposium hosted

by Open Doors called Difference & Diversity. Father Daughter received a standing ovation and Chloe talked beautifully about the impact on her of making the duet together. This experience has left a lasting impression on Chloe.

“SiD has allowed me to lose my parental and caring roles and just be a dancer. It’s a great privilege to be a member of this company”

The distance they travel to class and rehearsals and the commitment to SiD is unfaltering, such is the positive impact on their lives. And what next for Chloe…

“I want to dance together again. I have witnessed some great moments of magical beauty being a part of the company. I would love to see more”

2020/2021 has been a tough year and Kevin has missed Contact Dance dancing together - in person a great deal. So, what does Kevin want for the future?

“I really want to choreograph my own dance and return to performing in theatres, I have missed it so much”

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THE YEAR WE MET ONLINE Online dance classes and workshops This year anyone, anywhere in the world could connect with us for virtual classes and resources.

We managed to adjust and feel even stronger!

Keeping connected to our dance participants, company dancers, SiD’s freelance team, the wider dance network and funders was our priority and continues to be.

SiD delivered: • Adult weekly contemporary dance technique classes, for people with some experience.

• Weekly Contact Dance Company Classes.

• A weekly creative dance class for people with learning disabilities living in a supported living setting in Shropshire.

• Explore workshops – two advanced level inclusive dance labs with guest teachers

PARENT AND CARERS FEEDBACK It has been wonderful to watch our daughter during the Zoom sessions and to listen to her chatting to folks, best of all hearing her laughter and giggling is amazing Just an amazing effort and fantastic outcome for all involved. There have been some amazing experiences The sessions every week have been a lifesaver during lockdown providing much needed structure and familiarity to the week The opportunity to see friendly faces has reduced anxiety levels

DANCERS FEEDBACK I am free to move about, see people but not worry about social distancing I would be really bored if there was no zoom classes The classes have reminded me that I always have friends The classes have helped me to carry on being a good dancer, and kept me fit I don’t think I’ve ever felt so emotional during dance classes, witnessing each other dance through this period has been a very powerful and moving experience. Shared laughter, pride, grief, and joy

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TRAINING, ADVICE AND MENTOR SUPPORT Inclusive Practice is Good Practice SiD were delighted and honoured to be included in ‘Inclusive Practice is Good Practice’, a resource film launched in March 2020. The film offers advice from 42 of the UK’s most experienced inclusive dance practitioners: including freelancers & representation from 26 inclusive dance companies from around the UK.

Delphine represented Contact Dance as advocate/ representative, attended DanceConnect Beyond Borders Steering Group (Dancexchange Birmingham & Arts Connect), offered support and guidance to participants if required and received one to one mentoring supervision and shadowed practical delivery.

Delphine and Beth will continue studying and working with us, SiD have been privileged to have them join us, bringing experience, professionalism and commitment.

Company trainees Delphine Wise and Beth Gardiner joined us as company trainees. The dancers persued bespoke, individual trainee pathways. Beth shadowed the work of lead dance artist Anna Belyavin, supporting Highflyers Youth Dance Company.

Beth Gardiner moved to Shropshire 18 months ago and has been supporting our Highflyers, Beth is a wonderful role model, having previously danced with National Youth Dance.

Introducing Beth & Delphine “My name is Beth Gardiner and I am 26 years old. Since I was five, I have loved to dance, going from strength to strength. I have been passionate about dance ever since. I take inspiration from musical theatre and am living my childhood dream.

In the past I have worked in different companies Dance4, Hubbub theatre company, StopGap, National Youth Dance Company (NYDC) for 3 years, touring and performing around the country. I now work with HighFlyers dance company, teaching warmups and technique, with support. I want to inspire everyone to follow their dreams.”

Her advice to any youth dancer is ‘don’t let anything get you down, push yourself and discipline yourself.

You will get there just like I did.Keep going and shine so bright!

West Midlands Dance Development Leaders Group Rachel & Delphine joined the West Midlands Dance Development Leaders Group. The steering group received news that £1 million had been awarded to Birmingham 2022 by Spirit of 2012 to deliver ground-breaking mass participation dance programme with 300 young people from the West Midlands. This year SiD will be involved in a ‘test run’ of the 2022 project alongside many small and large-scale companies across the region.

The mass participation project, entitled Critical Mass, will form a new dance company of disabled and non-disabled young people to show how genuine inclusion can be achieved in mega events such as the Commonwealth Games. SiD cannot wait to be part of this in 2022!

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THE SiD TEAM Rachel Liggitt Co-Artistic Director

Ray Jacobs Co-Artistic Director

Rachel is a freelance dance artist, Co-director of Shropshire Inclusive Dance (SiD), an educator and coach with an impressive record of achievement across health, education, community & arts sectors.

She has delivered an extensive range of school, community, performance & choreographic work both nationally & internationally. She was Dance Fellow at Leeds University 1996-2004, Education & Training Coordinator at Blue-Eyed Soul Dance Company 20062012 & has held several dance Artist in Residence positions. In 2018 Rachel won One Dance UK’s ‘Inspirational Community Dance Practitioner’ Award.

Ray is an experienced practitioner and director in the fields of dance, performance and filmmaking.

He has a wealth of experience in leading successful inclusive dance and performance based projects.

After working with Blue Eyed Soul Dance Company as a performer and education officer (1998 – 2006), Ray has created multi-award winning films and directed performance based projects throughout the community. Since 2012 Ray has worked with Shropshire Inclusive Dance, facilitating workshops, leading projects, and directing the company alongside co-director Rachel Liggitt. He states. ‘I aim in my work to create movement and image which steps quietly into the human heart’.

Anna Belyavin SiD Dance Artist

Delphine Wise - Dance Assistant and Trainee

Anna Belyavin is a freelance dance artist based in Shropshire and working across the West Midlands.

Anna is SiD’s Highflyers Youth Dance Lead Artist and performer with Contact Dance Company. Anna trained at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and gained a degree in Dance Theatre in 2010.

Anna works as a performer, choreographer, teacher and facilitator and works with children, young people, adults and older adults in a variety of settings. Anna specialises in contemporary and creative dance and inclusive practice believing that dance is for everybody. She also has a keen interest in dance, health and wellbeing.

As a Contact Dance company member for many years, Delphine has attended classes, workshops and performed at many events. After completing BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy at the University of Salford, Delphine attended Para Dance UK Inclusive Practitioner training and joined the team as Company trainee and dance assistant in 2019. As part of her traineeship, Delphine has shadowed and supported the work of SiD’s lead artists, received regular mentoring and supported our weekly dance classes and projects. Delphine is a wonderful addition to our team, and we look forward to supporting her professional development into the future.

Poppy Mansfield – SiD Dance Artist

Poppy is a Freelance Dancer, Choreographer and Teacher presently working within Shropshire and the surrounding West Midlands.

Poppy is a dance artist with SiD, teaching regularly and performing with Contact Dance Company. She trained in Choreography at Dartington College of Arts with a particular emphasis on visual arts.

During her training she collaborated with artists from other disciplines on educational projects. This positive experience means that she now seeks out similar projects that explores and encourages young people to creatively express themselves through dance in a fun, friendly and supportive environment, to build their confidence, highlight their individuality, and grow their passion and enthusiasm for dance.

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Kate Mitchinson & Hannah Prior

joined us from Ignition to support SiD’s resilience and future planning Tom Hayes joined us in 2020

as Company Administrator

SiD FINANCES 2020/21 Income

Expenditure

Grants received

£61,341

Revenue from workshops and performances

£5,758

Donations £440 Total income

£67,539

Management, dance artists & support staff Staff development Venue hire

£45,713

Administration and overheads

Total expenditure

£1453 £932

£4459

£52,557

Shropshire Inclusive Dance is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company.

We have been able to continue dancing through the generosity and support of our board, volunteers, partner organisations, fellow artists, funders, committed staff, dancers, parent carers and many more people, thank you.

We would like to thank • Arts Council England • Shropshire Council • Herefordshire and Ludlow College • The Basil Houghton Memorial Trust • The Hive, Shrewsbury

The support we need We are dependent on financial support and donations to continue our work. We believe in giving people we work with the support they need to express their creativity and showcase their talent. Any donation, offer of funding or grant makes a huge difference.

• Arty Party • The National Lottery Community Fund

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FUTURE PLANS - STRONGER TOGETHER We have exciting plans for the future • To grow our core staff team.

• To deliver weekly classes and projects and to continue to develop Highflyers Youth Dance Company.

• To create 3 new pop-up dance works performed by Contact Dance Company • To tour our stunning ‘Dancing At Home’ photography exhibition, by renown photographer Ming de Nasty.

• To continue to develop our profile as a disability-led company, offering training and more opportunities for people with disabilities throughout our organisation.

• To continue to reach out to new participants and communities, giving people the chance to experience inclusive dance for the first time and nourishing them though their dance journey.

SiD Governance Summary Shropshire Inclusive Dance is a Community Interest Company.

Our Board Chair: Alison Overton Board members: Tim Baker, Chris Belyavin, Ellen Green, Ray Jacobs, Jessica Kent, Rachel Liggitt, Amanda Walshaw

Contact us Address: Email: Website: Facebook: Twitter:

The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury SY1 1TE directorsidance@gmail.com www.sidance.live facebook.com/shropshireinclusivedance @SiDcollective