CAF, Dance Northern Ireland and the Waterside Development Trust organised a Community Dance conference in October 2003.
The conference titled Developing Dance in Your Community - aimed to develop dance within a community context and highlighted current and planned dance initiatives with disability groups.
Speakers Included:
- Ken Bartlett, Foundation for Community Dance
- Wolfgang Stange – Disabled dance specialist and Director of the AMICI Dance Company
- Jane Mooney, Dance UK
- Cathy O’Kennedy, Fluxus Dance
- Jenny Elliot Orbit Dance Company
Presentations emphasised the accessibility of dance, stressing that it is an art form that can be enjoyed, regardless of training, background or physical ability. Speakers also stressed the benefits of dance as a means of increasing physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
The points raised by the speakers were vividly illustrated through a number of workshops and live performances, which encompassed a diverse range of dance styles, including Salsa, Scottish, Irish and break dancing.
All those in attendance agreed it had been an inspirational and rewarding two days, challenging attitudes towards dance and provided many good ideas about how to deliver dance within the community.
Dance Northern Ireland has organised a number of “way forward” meetings as part of its Community Dance Programme, which builds upon the work of the event.
For a copy of the "Developing Dance in your Community" report contact us 028 9024 2910 or email codonnell@caf.ie
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