As a new year begins the Dance team are working hard on upcoming events and are looking back on what we have achieved in 2024.
Our Turn
We are celebrating all the positive moments that brought relief to participants of the Our Turn project over the past three years. As the current funding has come to an end, and we are exploring new ways to continue the project.
Our Turn, a dance class designed for people with dementia, has helped participants move, connect, and find joy in the present moment. The sessions started at Ilchester Town Hall in 2021 and moved to St Peters Community Centre in Yeovil in the autumn of that year. There have been over 100 sessions, and we have had a total of 32 people take part. Some have been attending for over 2 years.
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. 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. The sessions are a mix of mobility and strength exercises, specific balance exercises to help prevent falls and a social time for the participants to relax, enjoy a cup of tea and an activity.
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, Emma has been able to adapt each exercise so it can be completed ether standing or seated to ensure everyone can complete them.
Our Turn is more than just a dance class, it’s a place of connection, laughter, and shared memories. Programs like this remind us 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.
Spring Forward Is Turning 20
Spring Forward is around the corner, and we are working hard behind the scenes to make this year's performances extra special. All three of the 2024 events went very well; we had two at the McMillan Theatre in Bridgwater and one at the Tacchi Morris Arts Centre in Taunton. A total of 522 dancers performed across the three shows, and they came from 34 groups from across the South West. We were able to give these dancers the opportunity to watch part of the performances as well so they could experience other styles of dances and support their fellow performers.
This year we're adding a fourth date for a special Spring Forward Gala Event, which will be held in April. To find out all about what we've planned for this year please visit this page.
Rural Touring Dance Initiative
RTDI is gearing up for another busy season this Spring. Across the South West in Autumn 2024, we brought 9 shows with an incredible 990 people in the audience who were able to watch fantastic dance performances in rural venues. In addition, 84 people of all ages took part in workshops and community casts with our visiting companies.