abunDANCE
abunDANCE is aimed at young people with autism and severe and complex learning needs aged 5-19 and older adults aged 65+ experiencing isolation and physical health challenges.​
Through this programme we will offer
24 weekly dance workshops
18 dance events exploring a range of styles, for different abilities
2 inclusive company trials and training for dance practitioners in Mendip.
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We will be working with students at The Mendip School, Fosse Way School and Critchill School from across Mendip. We are hoping to use this experience and trial period as a basis for establishing a permanent inclusive dance company in Mendip.
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abunDANCE will use the power of dance to:
• Improve mental and physical health
• Increase physical activity
• Build social connection
• Improve physical confidence and movement
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We'll be working with some of the most exciting and experienced dance tutors who will bring a whole range of dance styles and flavours. Sessions will be very sensory and involve props and costumes.
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PHASE 1: Dance Moves
Inspirational dance sessions showcasing dance styles from around the world: folk dance, Flamenco, Jazz, Contemporary, African, Indian, Egyptian, hip-hop – these sessions will explore a range of movements, styles and tempos for all abilities.
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Phase 2: Dance to Move
Weekly workshop blocks. These workshops will look at building core strength, connection, controlling physical movements, improving memory, balance, posture, physical health and mental wellbeing.​
Providing weekly workshops in dance for older adults, experiencing health challenges, isolation or long-term health conditions and young people with autism or communication challenges or learning differences participating in weekly dance activities
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Phase 3: Moved to Dance
Training for local practitioners and teachers in Inclusive dance
As part of this programme we will offer training to local practitioners for working in SEND settings and care homes and a support programme for young dance ambassadors and we will gain feedback from SEND settings to trial and establish an inclusive dance group.
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Tuesday 20th May, 4-6pm at Pauls Street Community Centre - a session with dancer, choreographer and Dance Psycotherapist Takeshi Matsumoto. Open to dance teachers and practitioners and care workers. To register email hello@makethesunshine.co.uk
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Takeshi Matsumoto is a dance artist specializing in making dance performances for young audiences. He is also a qualified dance movement psychotherapist, having experience in working with children with autism and learning disabilities both in the UK and Japan.
Growing up in Japan, his practice both in life and performing art is influenced by 和-Wa, harmony, peacefulness, quiet and contentment ways of living and balancing with others and environment.
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As a dance performer Takeshi has worked with Christian Duarte, Henri Oguike, Darren Johnston, Beatrice Allegranti, Paul-Andre Fortier, SLiDE, Anthea Hamilton, 2nd Hand Dance and Hagit Yakira.
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On a local level, he has been engaged with dance projects for and with children and adults with learning disabilities (SLiDE, Icandance, RADiate) and people living with dementia (Beatrice Allegranti) in the UK. On a global level, he has led dance projects for families who survived nuclear disaster in northern Japan (2013) and stateless refugee children in Thailand collaborating with other artists(2016 onwards).
He continues to explore possibilities of dance and performance as a way of acknowledging differences and creating mutual understanding with particular emphasis on empathy, communication, empowerment and body mind integration.
