Dance workshops at Collyer's are a step in the right direction

Collyer's in Horsham have linked up with Stopgap Dance Company to deliver a series of exciting, inclusive dance workshops for disabled and non-disabled dancers aged 16-25.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Sep 2018, 11:47 BST
Updated 13th Sep 2018, 12:48 BST
Picture by Chris Parkes (Stopgap Dance Company)Picture by Chris Parkes (Stopgap Dance Company)
Picture by Chris Parkes (Stopgap Dance Company)

he partnership is supported by Sussex Arts Academy.

Starting in the autumn term, professional dancers from Stopgap will lead a weekly performing arts course with the emphasis on developing dance skills and working towards a performance for the Horsham Year of Culture.

Collyer’s dance teacher Hayley Ovens said: “The project aims to bridge a gap in performing arts training for young people leaving post-16 education. Collyer’s offer local school QEII performing arts enrichment for their students with additional needs and we have identified a need for further opportunities to in this area.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Stopgap are currently developing an inclusive dance teaching syllabus, IRIS, to nurture the disabled dancers of tomorrow. We hope the programme will get young people thinking about potential progression routes and careers in performing arts, and give them the tools they need to achieve it.”

During the summer young dancers from the Horsham community enjoyed a free taster workshop with Stopgap artists Chris Pavia and Christian Brinklow. They participated in fun physical warm-ups, technical exercises, creative tasks and constructed their own choreography with support from the facilitators.

Collyer’s Andrea John, assistant principal, said: “What a fantastic opportunity for both our students and young dancers in the local community. We are very excited to be a part of it.”

Collyer’s deputy principal Steve Martell said: “We have an outstanding Dance department here at Collyer’s and I’m thrilled that we are forging close links with fantastic organisations like Stopgap and Sussex Arts Academy.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be among the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make our website your homepage

2 Like our Facebook page

3 Follow us on Twitter

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out!

Be part of it.

Related topics:Twitter