Take Art Spring Brochure 2025 by takeart333

Music

Theatre

Dance

Circus

Family

A Message From Ralph Lister

Executive Director, Take Art

As the seasons change and nature prepares for its winter slumber our Take Art headquarters are far from quiet. We invite you once again to gather with us; to experience, create and connect in warm village halls, local venues, and familiar spaces across the county.

Alongside our regular touring programme we have several projects to captivate Somerset residents over the winter months. We will be celebrating the 20th year of Spring Forward, our youth dance platform, in March 2025 (see page 13). This gathering of short dance performance pieces from across Somerset and beyond is an exhilarating and exuberant opportunity for young people to showcase their passion for dance and life.

We are delighted that our bid to Youth Music to run a 3-year early years music and digital project involving staff in Somerset and Dorset settings as well as the children and their carers has been successful.

Take Art is one of only 11 organisations nationally to be chosen to carry out our ‘Little People: Big Ideas’ project and this reflects the quality and reputation the Take

Art Early Years team developed over the last 20 years.

Finally a shout out to our arts, food and environment crossover work, Cultivate. As a result of a National Lottery grant received by one of our partners in Chard, Take Art will be bringing creative ideas to a Chard community garden project over the next few months with a view to developing a continuing programme for years to come. There is a shared and common understanding of the links between culture, food and the environment. Combining them under the banner of sustainability leads to some interesting and unusual results!

As we step into the new year, may it bring you fresh inspiration, creativity, and countless memorable moments. Wishing you a bright and joyful season ahead from all of us at Take Art!

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Tuning Into Early Years Music With Jane Parker

Jane is Take Art's in-house Early Years specialist and we've asked her to tell us about the amazing job she does with the tiniest among us and the ones who care for them.

Jane, please tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do!

Quite simply, I love working creatively with 0 to 5 year olds, their families and anyone else who cares for them! My particular interest is music – I studied an MA in Early Years Music Education at the Centre for Research in Early Childhood (CREC).

Over the last 10 years I have had the privilege of working on various Take Art Early Years projects, collaborating with musicians, early years settings, music services, universities, local authorities and other arts/music organisations to help people create meaningful musical experiences for very young children.

I am currently working on two Take Art projects funded by Youth Music – SoundWaves Network South West (an early years music programme) and Little People, Big Ideas (a creative arts pro-

gramme). I also teach on the Certificate for Music Educators: Early Childhood course which is a national qualification validated by Trinity College London to develop high-quality educators to work in early childhood music.

In your early years music programme, SoundWaves Network SW, what does music with 0 to 5 year olds look like?

We approach this programme with the belief we are all born musical and music permeates many aspects of our lives. Just look around; you’ll see people with headphones on listening to music, you’ll hear it as a soundtrack to films, social media reels, shopping experiences – even my washing machine plays a musical announcement when it proudly completes its cycle!

We are surrounded by sounds and the unborn babies are listening. They can hear approx. three months before birth. When born, babies interact with us through vocalisations that encourage a response. There is a beautiful film we show at our training of baby Neesera – who is born two months premature and already intuitively interacting with her father through cooing very quietly and him responding.

Watch anyone engage with a baby and

you will see they are already competently, sensitively and intuitively using music! A parent is naturally ‘attuned’ to their child. The baby coos. The parent replies with a matching coo. This ‘infant directed speech’ is a dancing musical conversation.

Parents are musical with their babies. They may soothe their baby by subconsciously vocalising as they rock them to sleep, or they may scoop up a child and vocalise ‘weeeeeee’ as the child is swooped in the air, the parent’s voice matching the flying movement. They also provide a variety of sound makers – toys - to explore, as well as a rich diet of recorded music.

As babies grow into toddlers, we continue to tune into their musical behaviours, which may look like they are repeatedly banging and then scraping a cup on a highchair table whilst simultaneously vocalise ‘da da daaaaa!’ Their vocal play could be viewed as a soundtrack to the object they are exploring.

If you spend time watching very young children play, you will notice they often spontaneously make music themselves; by singing, chanting or vocal doodling as they are busy playing with something else. They may be vocalising something meaningful to them – a short repetitive phrase from their favourite Disney film or a snippet of a soundtrack from their parent’s Spotify playlist on repeat in the car.

So in our SoundWaves Network SW early years music programme, we believe children don’t arrive in early years settings as empty vessels – but already with their own backpacks of musical identity – an identity, which the child is already busy moulding from the diverse music they are surrounded by from the people and things they engage and interact with.

So what happens in your music programme with early years settings?

There are a few aspects to our programme. During our initial observation we quite often notice that early years staff are already subconsciously using music in their everyday interactions with children. Staff want to diversify their own repertoire, so we teach them songs, rhymes and musical games and always explain the intended musical learning behind each activity.

We spend time together with staff observing the children and begin to see what

capable and creative musicians they already are as they spontaneously integrate voice-play, chanting, or even rework snippets of songs meaningful to them into their everyday play.

We also think about how we set out an enticing musical play space and then carefully observe children’s music making with instruments (and objects) in that spaceand consider our role as the child’s interested play partner.

What training do you recommend for people who want to ensure their early years music practice is meaningful to very young children?

I loved studying the MA in Early Years Music Education at CREC, which furthered my knowledge and understanding of young children and their musicality. I developed a passion to read more in depth about early childhood music and critically reflect my own early years music practice.

There’s also the Certificate for Music Educators: Early Childhood part-time course hosted by CREC, which is for anyone who wants to improve their skills and know-

ledge in early childhood music and gain a recognised accredited qualification.

It’s ideal for anyone who works – or wishes to work - in early years, as the course fits around your own practice with a mentor to support you.

At Take Art we also run a variety of online and in-person training events to support with early years music – including our popular online 6 session mini course ‘Building Confidence Using Music in Early Childhood’. This course not only teaches you simple singing games and rhymes but also shows you our online early years resource library. It has many filmed examples of very young children’s musical play and considers what music is meaningful to children, families and setting staff!

The course is always sold out – so we know there is a need for it! Our next course will be running Spring 2025.

Do you have any final advice for all the mums, dads and childcare professionals out there?

I would say it’s good to always think about how we, as adults, ‘do’ music and take time to tune into our child’s music. Our job is to continue to understand the child’s musical world and to offer a musically rich environment that builds on their innate musicality.

Spring Forward: Celebrating 20 Years of Dance in Somerset

In 2025, Spring Forward, Somerset’s much-loved annual dance festival, will celebrate its 20th anniversary—a milestone that highlights its enduring impact on the county’s dance community. Since its inception in 2005, the festival has evolved from a small youth dance platform into one of the most anticipated events in the Southwest’s cultural calendar. With two decades of inspiring performances, this festival continues to foster creativity, unity, and the joy of dance.

Remembering the beginnings

Spring Forward first made its debut on the Somerset dance scene in 2005, originally known as Spring Loaded. This initiative was spearheaded by Take Art in partnership with the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, aiming to create a countywide platform where youth dance groups could converge, perform on professional stages, and engage with diverse audiences. The inaugural event was modest but laid the foundation for what would become the most anticipated yearly event by the local dance community.

In 2014, marking its ten-year milestone, Spring Forward was reimagined as an annual Youth Dance Festival. This trans-

formation signified a broader commitment to fostering the development of young dancers, offering them increased opportunities for growth, exposure, and artistic expression. Today, Spring Forward welcomes dancers of all ages and backgrounds, celebrating the rich tapestry of Somerset’s dance community.

A Legacy of Impact

At the helm of Spring Forward since 2017 is our very own Alison Lord, Take Art’s Dance Director, whose leadership has been instrumental in guiding the festival through its continued expansion and evolution. Reflecting on the festival’s journey, she shared:

“Spring Forward has welcomed over 8,000 dancers of all ages to perform on some of Somerset’s most celebrated professional stages. It’s been a real honour to provide this platform for young people and community dance groups, offering them the joy of performing live with one of the most supportive audiences imaginable.”

Spring Forward has maintained its original vision while embracing growth and change over the years. The festival has become a beacon for dancers seeking both performance opportunities and a sense of community, solidifying its place as one of the largest community dance platforms in the Southwest.

“I sincerely hope we can continue to provide this platform for another 20 years, welcoming both familiar faces and new talent to our stages.”- Alison adds.

Voices from the dance floor

At the core of Spring Forward are its participants—the dancers and their mentors— who breathe life into each performance. Their stories and reflections offer a window into what makes this festival truly unique. For many, Spring Forward is more than just an event; it’s a source of inspiration, joy, and treasured memories.

“I love the atmosphere both backstage and onstage. There’s so much energy among the dance groups, which just adds to the excitement. It also gives me another opportunity to perform in front of an audience.” –shares Emma Payne (16) from Carlea Theatre.

Paige Travers (18) from Allen School of Dance, has been a Spring Forward regular since she was 12. Performing annually since 2018, she values the festival’s creativity and inclusivity the most.

"I absolutely love performing at Spring Forward for so many reasons. They are always so supportive and accommodating, finding ways to make our performances work, no matter how big or unusual our props are. It’s

also amazing to see such diverse and inspiring pieces from across Somerset.”- she says.

Emily Chambers (16) from Clevedon School emphasizes the sense of community that defines the event:

“I love how lots of different dance groups come together to perform a wide variety of dances! I also love how supportive everybody is, cheering for each other, only wanting every single group to do well.”

Hearing firsthand how dancers feel about Spring Forward and the impact the dance event had on their lives has been truly rewarding. These voices reflect the heart of Spring Forward—a festival that unites, inspires, and uplifts all who take part – which has been our goal all along.

Beyond the Performance: A Community of Support

We see Spring Forward as more than just a series of performances; it’s a celebration of community, support, and artistic collaboration. We are focussed on creating a non-competitive environment, where dancers can express themselves freely and support one another’s growth.

Emma Payne highlights the unique collaborative atmosphere:

“It's different because I get to share the performance with other dance groups. At Spring Forward, I'm able to watch the other talented dancers and enjoy the show as well as being a part of it.”

For Reagan Hyde (18), a member of Somerset Youth Dance Company (SYDC), the festival has been a central part of her life for the past decade. She highlights the welcoming, non-competitive environment that sets Spring Forward apart:

Paige Travers at Spring Forward 2024

“Spring Forward isn’t competitive, so the atmosphere always feels welcoming. Everyone cheers each other on, creating a sense of one big dance family.”

Dance teacher Leanne Clark of Carlea Theatre Arts feels similarly to Emma and Reagan.

“There is a wonderfully supportive feeling at Spring Forward. Everyone is there to enjoy the art of dance, and we’ve met some wonderful groups over the years. It is clear everyone is there to enjoy the art of dance and performance. There is no competitive element which we love.”- she shares.

Educational and Emotional Growth Through Dance

We were pleased to discover that Spring Forward has become a pivotal platform for educational and emotional development among its participants. Dance teachers and group leaders noted the profound impact the festival has had on their students, fostering not only technical skills but also personal growth.

“One of our elite groups performed a piece titled ‘You Cannot Eat Money’ about the gulf between rich and poor. They did beautifully, and they were so emotionally invested that they came off the floor all crying with tears

of pride for themselves and each other as a group! It was a beautiful moment, where they came together and put every piece of emotion they could into this important topic they were tackling.” - reflects Lisha Allen.

“We have found Spring Forward to be an incredibly nurturing space for young dancers to flourish and grow with multiple performances offered in different areas and venues. It is wonderful that the dancers are given the opportunity to perform on stage in front of likeminded audiences.”

Kellie-Marie Niescior-Mockford, dance teacher

of Clevedon School, highlights the experiential learning aspect:

“Spring Forward is an opportunity for our pupils to perform in a performance venue on a stage where professional works take place, what an experience. An excellent opportunity to see other dance groups across the community rehearse and perform and celebrate dance as an art form. This is a highlight event for many of our pupils who leave us with fond memories of participating in the event over multiple years.”

Memorable Moments

Spring Forward is filled with moments that often encapsulate the essence of what makes the festival special. We’ve asked dancers and group leaders to share their favourite memories.

“One year, whilst our students were practicing in the studio, some younger children from another dance group were really interested in a particular step and how they could do it. – shares Leanne. We then watched our students teaching these younger children who then were able to master it themselves. It was a really lovely

Reagan Hyde

moment of children coming together and enjoying dance, even though they didn’t know each other.”- she adds proudly.

Kellie-Marie also reflects on the camaraderie fostered among different groups:

“Seeing our students watching another group of dancers on the TV in the dressing room and cheering for them as they finished. Watching how supportive and respectful they were of other groups was a lovely moment to see as a teacher. Everything we hope to instil in our dancers.”

Clare Stokes from Robert Blake School says what makes Spring Forward most memorable is the sense of community from all the groups. “Others dance groups clapping when students return to the changing rooms after watching them on the screens is lovely to see.” – she shares.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Spring Forward’s impact extends beyond the performances, inspiring young dancers and fostering a love for the arts. Teachers encourage students and parents to view dance not just as a physical activity, but as a means of personal and artistic growth.

According to Leanne Clark the benefits go way beyond the physical.

“Dance is such an important form of ex-

pression, escapism and exercise. The skills developed and learned through dance— discipline, creativity, and teamwork—are transferable to so many aspects of life.” –she says. For dancer Paige Travers, the art form is a way of life.

“Dancing has a special place in my heart. The adrenaline, excitement, and joy I feel before going onstage are unmatched. Dance allows us to tell stories and connect with others in a way that’s truly magical. I don’t know what I would do without dancing - it is truly my life!”

Page is now pursuing a professional dance career at a prestigious dance collage and we can’t wait to hear about her future successes.

SYDC leader Katey adds: "Dance is such a special way to grow as an individual and in confidence. A great way to meet like-minded friends and have fun!! Whether it’s something that becomes a career or not, dancing will stay with you for life!"

Looking Ahead

As the festival celebrates its 20th anniversary, it does so not just as a reflection of past achievements but as a beacon for future generations of dancers. Take Art hopes to continue the festival’s legacy of inclusivity and community.

“Spring Forward is a chance for dancers of all ages to experience the thrill of live performance. We look forward to welcoming new talent and creating more unforgettable memories for years to come.”- adds Alison.

For Somerset’s dance community, Spring Forward remains a highlight of the year—a vibrant celebration of artistry, collaboration, and the sheer joy of movement. Here’s to another 20 years of dance!

Dancers at Robert Blake School

Our Turn: Bringing Joy Through Movement for

People Living with Dementia

In a world where support for those living with memory loss often feels limited, our local Take Art project is making an impact through the power of dance. Our Turn a dance class designed for people with dementia, is helping participants move, connect, and find joy in the present moment. Led by experienced instructor Emma Randall and assistant dance instructor Cate Field, plus supported by dedicated volunteers Janice Bennett and Tania Shepheard, the class combines movement, music, and social connection to create a unique and uplifting experience.

How It All Began

Emma has a long history in dance education. "After leaving my dance lecturer role at Yeovil College in 2011, I explored different areas of dance work," she shares. In 2019, she discovered that Take Art was looking for dance practitioners to work with the elderly. She completed a Level 4 Postural Stability Instructor qualification, which enabled her to run classes focused on preventing falls. Janice came to the program with a personal motivation. "I have spent time visiting relatives who had dementia in a care home and have seen the difference it makes when they can join in activities," she says.

When she heard about the opportunity to volunteer with Our Turn she immediately applied.

The Benefits of Dance and Social Connection

For people with memory loss, participation in Our Turn offers numerous benefits beyond the joy of dancing. "It's an opportunity for people to focus on the here and now," Emma explains. "They can enjoy music, dance, and even a sing-along. Carers also have the option to join in or take a little time for themselves." This balance allows participants and their carers to relax and engage in the session however they feel most comfortable.

Janice highlights the joy that movement brings to the group. "Emma’s exercises are great fun and encourage the participants to move at whatever level they can manage," she shares. "There are always lots of smiles and laughter. Participants enjoy handling the props, like streamers and pom-poms, and they appreciate the novelty of these items. They look forward to the social time afterward, with tea, biscuits, games, and crafts."

From left to right: Tania, Janice, Emma & Cate

For Tania, seeing the bonds formed between participants is especially meaningful. "It's been lovely to see friendships grow," she says. "But the most important thing is to see them laughing and having fun as part of a group. Many say it’s the highlight of their week." Tania adds that the social time after class, when participants share stories and memories, is invaluable. "I've learned so much about our local area from them. They bring in pictures and share fascinating details about their lives."

The Classes

Emma structures each session carefully, balancing movement with safety and accessibility. "The class starts with a mobility warm-up, followed by a pulse-raiser, strength exercises for the upper and lower body, and specific balance exercises to help prevent falls," she explains. Participants can sing along and enjoy the rhythm, adding another layer of enjoyment.

The class also incorporates props that add a sensory element and give participants a chance to explore movement in new ways. After an active session, there’s a cool-down and stretch, followed by social time with refreshments. This approach ensures that everyone, regardless of their level of mobility, can participate fully and safely. Our Turn is accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities. "Each dance or exercise can be performed seated or standing," Emma notes. "We’re able to adapt the class to suit individual needs."

Heartwarming Moments and Lasting Memories

When asked about memorable moments from the classes, each team member had a story to share. For Emma, some of the best memories come from those unexpected, spontaneous moments when the class goes "off-plan." "It can lead to unique and funny creative moments," she says. "I love when something unexpected happens, and everyone laughs so much that it takes a bit of time to get refocused."

Janice recalls a heartwarming memory of a participant who found joy in her unique way of dancing. "There was a lady who loved getting up and moving in her own style, singing along to the music and fully enjoying the moment. It was wonderful to watch her so happy."

Tania’s favourite memory is a festive one. “I remember when we played Christmas party games with the participants passing the parcel. It got very competitive! I will miss this if no funding becomes available.”

Our Turn's Legacy

Our Turn is more than just a dance class—it’s a place of connection, laughter, and shared memories. Programs like this remind us all of the joy that comes from movement and community, creating bright moments for those living with memory loss and the people who care for them.

Larkhall: Piano of the Future

What if you could see music?

Meet Larkhall, the award-winning concert pianist and Otto, his computer co-performer. Otto isn’t just your ordinary AI; it’s a virtuoso in its own right. It possesses the remarkable ability to decipher the intricate musical nuances within a song, translating them into stunning visuals that dance in perfect harmony with the sound.

Imagine being able to not just hear, but actually see the music, with astonishing precision and creativity.

Weaving together music, art, and technology, Larkhall offers a unique, unforgettable piano concert that pushes the boundaries of creativity.

Dates & Details

Thursday 30 January East Quantoxhead Village Hall | 8pm | £11/£6 low income/ under 25 | 0787 6747578 | Licenced bar

Friday 31 January Curry Mallet and Beercrocombe Village Hall | 8pm | £11/£6 for young people aged under 18 | 077 888 17619

Saturday 1 February Bruton Club | 6.30pm | £11/£8 low income and child | available from Bruton Convenience Store | Enquiries 01749 813694

Saturday 15 February The David Hall | 8pm | £13/£12 children/students | 01460 240340

Spring Forward

Spring Forward is turning 20!

We're back in 2025 with the most exciting and inclusive platform in the Somerset dance calendar, bringing together hundreds of dancers of all ages to perform on some of Somersets professional stages.

This year's Spring Forward is all about celebrating our shared love of dance, movement and connection. We will be showcasing the best and brightest of Somerset's young dancers alongside a striking array of community dance groups, including adult and older dancers.

Enjoy an exciting mix of styles and choreography including Jazz, Contemporary, Street Dance and Dance Theatre, along with fun and feel-good perform-

ances and digital dance offerings from local schools, youth dance companies, adult community dance groups and dance schools from Somerset and across the South West.

Dates & Details

Friday 7 March | Tacchi Morris Arts Centre, Taunton

Friday 21 March | Tacchi Morris Arts Centre, Taunton

Thursday 27 March | McMillan Theatre, Bridgwater

Gala on Sunday 27th April 7pm at McMillan Theatre

Spitz & Co: Elvis in Blue Hawaii

A musical comedy which will leave you all shook up. Join award-winning Elvis impersonator Joe Reeve (Best Sideburns: GlosVegas 2014) and his longtime tour manager Josephine Cunningham, who is there to keep the show on the road… Dig out your best Hawaiian shirt and escape to Paradise!

Dates & Details

Thursday 6 March Pen Selwood Village Hall | 7.30pm | £12 £9 concessions | 01747 840680 | Pen Pub in attendance

Friday 7 March Norton-sub-Hamdon Village Hall | 7.30pm | £12 | tickets available from Norton Village shop

Saturday 8 March Kilve Village Hall | 7.30pm | £12/£10 concessions; £40 family (2+2 or 1+3) | 07814 613908 or kvh@hayward.uk.net

Sunday 9 March Wootton Courtenay Village Hall | 7:30pm | £12 | 01643 841067 or takeart.org

Friday 14 March Hatch Beauchamp Village Hall | 8pm | £11 | 01823 481909 | licensed bar

Saturday 15 March Bruton Club | 8pm | £12/£9 students/low income | tickets available from Premier, High St, Bruton

Sunday 16 March Axbridge Town Hall | 7.30pm | £12/£8 concessions/students/under18's | 01934 732376

Scratchworks Theatre: Hags

- A Magical Extravaganza

Returning due to popular demand! A show packed with magic tricks, comedy and live music, Hags is exploring the witch-hunt mania that swept through 17th century England.

In Bideford in 1682, the final witch trial in England took place. Three women were accused of witchcraft, tried and hanged. But tonight, these three fearless females are climbing out of their boxes, shaking off the sequins and investigating what really happened in North Devon 340 years ago.

With mind-blowing illusions, stupendous stunts and the occasional disappearing rabbit, ‘Hags’ sets the record straight for thousands of falsely accused women

with all the joy, silliness & spectacle these three magicians can muster. Suitable for kids aged 11 and up.

Dates & Details

Saturday 15 March Backyard Theatre, Watchet | 7.30pm | £15 | tickets available from www.backyard- theatre-watchet.uk

Saturday 29 March Norton-sub-Hamdon Village Hall | 7.30pm | £14 | tickets available from Norton Village shop

Bonfire Radicals: Live

Fun, free and fabulous!

Experience Bonfire Radicals’ electrifying sound and energy in this special run of performances. Witness the adventurous breadth of their musical imaginations which emerge from a melting pot of original and traditional material from the British Isles to the Balkans.

Rhythmic grooves, instrumental fireworks, rich vocal harmonies and delicate a cappella all collide and explode into a “crashing rollercoaster of sound... alive with possibility and thrills” (Folk Radio).

Bonfire Radicals present a family friendly show with wide appeal. Catch them in this intimate village setting while you can! Seating and standing room available, bring your dancing shoes!

Dates & Details

Friday 28 March Roadwater Village Hall | 8pm | £12/£7 children under 16 | available from Roadwater Shop, Valiant Soldier Pub or call 07745 318486 | licensed bar

Saturday 29 March Caryford Community Hall | 7.30pm | £12 | available from Bailey Hill Bookshop, Castle Cary | 16+ under 18s must be accompanied by an adult

Suntou & Mamudou Susso: Music of the Kora

Suntou Susso is a true performer and multi-instrumentalist. Join this expert kora player, percussionist, singer and composer from The Gambia for an evening of music, culture and learning.

Suntou is joined by his father for a special run of shows. Both born Griots in a 700year old tradition, they play the kora - a harp-lute with 22 strings – which is unique to the Griots of the Mandinka people. Griots have a unique societal role as oral historians, transmitting and preserving a people’s culture through the generations in song, music and poetry.

Suntou’s family includes some of the world’s most highly respected West African musicians. An in-demand and charismatic performer, he attracted attention as soon as he arrived on the UK music scene.

Dates & Details

Thursday 3 April Lamyatt Village Hall | 7pm, doors 6.15pm | £15/ £12.50 concessions, £7 child and £40 family (2+2) | 0779 8933 776

Friday 4 April Holford & District Village Hall | 7.30pm | £12/£8 concessions, £28 family 2+2 | 0784 3348 057

Saturday 5 April North Curry Parish Church | 7.30pm | £15 including a welcome drink, under 12’s free when accompanied by a ticket holder | tickets available from North Curry Post Office

Solène Weinachter: After All

After All is a celebration of our vulnerable and courageous existence. Solène Weinachter melds dance, comedy, storytelling and theatre to ask: what happens in the end?

Although death comes to all of us, talking about it is often a taboo that can leave people holding their grief in isolation.

Through a series of impassioned re-enactments of the funerals of those she’s loved - as well as imagining her ownSolène attempts to conjure a better sort of space for all of us to be with death, dying and loss.

After All is a heartfelt exploration of the different death rituals we have - the ones we’ve lost and those that need inventing

- joyously bringing us together to explore the role that dancing might play in healing.

Are you affected or interested in the theme of this show? Solène will be hosting a free Death Café to discuss issues surrounding death and offer a conscientious ear for participants’ experiences. With cake! See details below.

Dates & Details

Saturday 5 April Croscombe Village Hall nr Wells | 7.30pm, doors 6.45pm | £12/£6 under 25’s and low income | available from www.takeart.org

Sunday 6 April Death Café The George Inn, Croscombe | 10:30am | Free entry

Hartwin Dhoore & Ross Grant:

Live

Hartwin and Ross share a passion for acoustic instrumental folk music and have earned their stripes in numerous bands and projects like Trio Dhoore, Siger, Through the Seasons and the English Fiddle Ensemble.

Hailing from Belgium and England, Hartwin and Ross have the finest traditional tunes from their own countries in their fingers and seamlessly blend English and Flemish instrumentals, interspersed with their own compositions.

"This duo succeeded in seamlessly interweaving the essence of their trad-

itions, creating beautiful musical impressions that brilliantly reflect their roots. Their EP 'New Beginnings' is worth more than one re-listen."

New Folk Sounds (Belgium)

Dates & Details

Saturday 12 April Bower Hinton Chapel | 7.30pm | £10/£8 concession | 07522 437237

Half A String: Breathe

Find the epic in the tiny from the perspective of an acorn.

Join this extraordinary journey to discover the beats and rhythms of a busy, beautiful woodland world. Uncover bizarre larger than life fungi, creaking tree roots and thrumming underworlds.

Breathe explores the inner workings of trees, beautifully realised with a combination of stunning puppetry, breathtakingly detailed sets and groundbreaking live camera work. Underscored through a truly unique blend of thumping drum and bass and live ethereal folk songs.

‘Exceptional’ Pick of the Fringe 2024

‘Pure magic’ Beyond the curtain 2024 'Unmissable... delightfully imaginative, innovative and emotionally engaging' (Everything Theatre)

Dates & Details

Saturday 10 May Caryford Community Hall | 2pm | £10/£5 child | available from Bailey Hill Bookshop, Castle Cary

Somerset's Dance Ambassadors

At Take Art, we love dance! We love its power as an art form, it’s universality and the health benefits too. For the next two years, we’re able to make more amazing moments happen in and around Shepton Mallet through the Rural Touring Dance Initiative’s Dance Ambassador programme!

This means that as well as our participatory programmes like Our Turn and Spring Forward, we can provide more opportunities for local people to see amazing shows and take part in worthwhile workshops without travelling large distances and paying high prices. We want to break down the barriers that stop people getting into contemporary dance and inspire young people to get dancing!

We will do this by bringing brilliant professional contemporary dancers into schools to host workshops and perform shows for communities in their local spaces. We like to create lasting change with our work so we have made sure we have strong community connections, working with Rural Touring volunteer promoter Richard and Louise from Sheptonbased organisation Make the Sunshine, who can get the artists to the right people!

Keep your eyes peeled for more public Take Art events in 2025 and 2026 like Solene Weinachter’s After All and if you are interested in taking part in dance workshops, please get in touch.