Broken Chords 2008
Blah blah etc
Generate 2008-2011
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Led and devised a series of creative dance residencies in schools over a number of years exploring a multiple intelligence approach to learning across the curriculum, combining dance with art, puppetry, film making and storytelling to involve and inspire children from all backgrounds. Designed to be cross cultural and engage all levels of ability.
The work was ensemble, inclusive and responsive in nature, creating a supportive, non judgemental and respectful environment. A place where you can do, observe, reflect, think, describe, feel, share, find meaning, be brave, be big, be quiet, or loud or still and be other than your everyday.
At the beginning of the process I introduced a paper puppet to the team. It was a puppet made and given to her by a child in Bogata years before, it became a starting point for non verbal engagement in the workshops and its immediacy with the children led on to using a series of surprising puppets throughout the residencies. It later became one of the main inspirations for a dance theatre piece called Paper Mountain.
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Produced by Danceworks Sheffield
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“A perfect project…the best work I have ever seen with children”
Jo O’Brien, Head Teacher,Ivanhoe Junior, Doncaster
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"This kind of curriculum enrichment is beyond anything we could have hoped for from our son’s primary education and we are so thankful.
The generate team created a magical theatrical environment in the simplest of spaces and with the creative use of everyday lighting and objects . . . . . . they told a powerful and captivating story with just a handful of props they’d used throughout. Most impressive of all was the sensitive and powerful way the dancers ensured even the quietest of children felt safe to “to take the stage” and join in, each child invariably beaming with happiness in response to the enchanted moment.
As the project closed I was left with an excited sense of all the good seeds that have been planted in these children, yet to grow and develop. The list of of potential fruits from this project is endless but the promise is tangible."
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Parent of child at Meersbrook Bank Primary School, Sheffield.