Glimpsing Air Pockets is an immersive, multi-sensory dance theatre production; a creative expression of how working alongside many inspiring children at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh has deeply impacted and profoundly transformed my perspective in life.

The children themselves and their families are remarkable and triumphing in the adversities that life has thrown. These children and individuals are more than conquerors; they are the unsung heroes.

Based upon the saying "You can't stop birds flying over your head, but you can definitely prevent them from building a nest in your hair,” the work captures the children's personal contributions who are in care within the hospital; the set, musical elements, film and live performance.The vision is that many children will be inspired by their contributions being reflected back to them, their siblings and parents, as members of the audience within the final performance.

Engaging in this project, the children will be exploring new and innovative ways of communicating through artistic avenues. The invitation to add their own creative expression of individuality to the work will evoke a sense of giving them back control and a sense of ownership.

This project is an inclusive invitation, encouraging children to be part of a project with an ambitious and compelling end product, reigniting a sense of vitality, motivation and creativity, allowing them to enjoy being children.

The work evokes striking visual images, bringing the outdoors and the beauty of nature indoors to the audience. Sensor pads will be integrated throughout the set and when the children press them, the pads will trigger a combination of visual and audio effects to be projected within the space. This interactive aspect will allow individuals with mobility impairments to play a significant part in impacting how the piece unfolds.

I have the joy of dancing alongside a truly amazing girl that I have had the privilege of working extensively alongside whilst in recovery at the children’s hospital. Her role poignantly signifies that she, along with the many other children have taught my wings to fly again.

“…so inspiring, delicate and beautiful. Wonderful work for all these children in hospital. I so enjoyed it”

“I can see this being a fun, beneficial, enriching experience for any child involved with it and I dare say plenty of adults would love to as well! Wonderful piece”

“An incredibly emotional and moving piece. The sensory elements reflect internal complexities with great poignancy"

“…beautiful, evocative, honest and generous sharing of your work and of your heart – inspired by the children”

"Is this really real Mummy? I can't believe I'm not dreaming" - (child's comment)

Glimpsing Air Pockets will be performed at the new children's hospital, Little France, Edinburgh, due to open in 2018 and then there is great vision to reach many other children in hospitals and hospices across Scotland and the UK.

In order to make this performance as magical as possible for the children, all of the work I contribute and engage with, will be offered as in-kind. My longing is to see this work hugely impact, bring immense joy and be a beautiful experience for these well deserving children.

Any donations will play a wonderful part in making this happen for them! With my warmest wishes, appreciation and thanks!

Christina Liddell

Image credit: Toby Williams stillsmoving.net

Supported by the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity and Curious Seed