Enriching lives through movement, music and dance has always been at the heart of Take Art Dance. We are proud to be bringing innovative and immersive dance experiences to people of all ages and we have a lot of exciting plans for the future.
Our specialist project, Our Turn, has been running since September 2021 and it continues to bring joy and respite to dementia sufferers and carers alike. We've created a little trailer to let you see these sessions in action and have a feel of the vibrant, happy atmosphere that welcomes all. Our participants really look forward to each visit.
Our Turn is a great tool for fall prevention, reducing stress, fighting loneliness and providing respite for carers. It's truly wonderful to see the change in our participants; how frowns turn into smiles, shoulders relax and eyes light up with mischief. We're proud to be offering this unique project and hope to reach even more people who need it the most. If you know anyone who'd benefit from these sessions please feel free to share our page. Further information can be found here.
Reflections
Spring Forward
Our much awaited dance event returned in March 2022 and reached a record number of people across Somerset and the South West. Following a two-year hiatus Spring Forward returned to a sell-out audience at Tacchi Morris Arts Centre and record audience numbers at The Octagon Theatre and The McMillan Theatre.
The three platforms showcased community groups alongside primary and secondary schools who returned to the stage to perform a huge variety of different styles and pieces. 2022 also saw the return of inclusion of digital pieces being and we were fortunate to receive film submissions from groups in Yeovil, Bridport, Cornwall and Hampshire!
A total of 500 dancers took part across the three platforms with a staggering 72 dances performed from 25 groups! Congratulations to all the dancers and group leaders, the energy and enthusiasm from everyone involved was brilliant and it was evident that a lot of hard work and dedication had gone into each performance.
Take Art were fortunate that Len Copland was on hand to capture some of the wonderful moments at both Tacchi Morris and The Octagon Theatre. Images from both platforms will be available on our dedicated Spring Forward photo library webpage over the coming weeks.
Little Big Dance
This Spring has seen Little Big Dance return to the stage across four theatre venues throughout Somerset.
Take Art were delighted to welcome Takeshi Matsumoto to Somerset back in February and March to bring Club Origami to the stage at The Merlin Theatre in Frome, The egg in Bath and The McMillan Theatre in Bridgwater.
(images from Dan Jenkins, The McMillan Theatre)
Children, parents, carers and Early Years practitioners from across the county were invited to create, imagine and explore whole new ways of thinking, playing and moving. Dance, fashion and live music met the magic of origami which swept everyone up on a spirited and inspiring adventure in a land made purely of paper and play.
In April we also saw the return of George Fellows | Four Hands Dance who brought It’s ok back to The Brewhouse in Taunton. Set in their Studio space, children, parents, grandparents and carers were invited to join Laura and Claire on a journey of discovery as they navigated feelings of uncertainty, fear, excitement, anger and joy whilst being supported and encouraged every step of the way.
As cycle one of Little Big Dance draws to a close we are excited for what the future of the project brings over the next 18 months.
Little Big Dance is a pioneering national initiative creating new dance work for children aged five and under, led by South East Dance in partnership with DanceEast, Take Art and Yorkshire Dance and funded by Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Arts Council England.