Open Arts recieved £2000 towards their Movement and Mentoring programme

In August 2023 12 young people from Mae Murray Teen Hub attended a week-long dance summer scheme supported by the Openreach Community Fund.

There were young people with physical and learning disabilities including some with additional complex needs. The young people learnt about the process involved in creating a dance piece from inception through to performance. This included the importance of warm up (physical and vocal), choreography exercises such as mirroring; group work; communicating; music and rehearsing.

The sharing of ideas; working collaboratively with others have all impacted on their communication skills and new relationships they have developed.

Throughout the week they also had visits from members of Open Arts contemporary dance company Luminous Soul, for disabled adults.

They spoke about their experiences, how they got involved, changes it has made in their life and showed performances at professional events. This week was followed up with more rehearsals to prepare for a performance as part of Open Arts event ‘Creative Conversations’ at the Crescent Arts Centre, part of Bounce Festival. The young people also worked towards achieving Arts Awards Explore.