DanceBase (ActOne ArtsBase) project snapshot

Project title: DanceBase

Where and when the project happened
DanceBase takes place throughout the year at venues in Ware and Watford.

Describe your project briefly
DanceBase supports disabled people to explore dance theatre in a fully accessible, supportive environment. The programme consists of weekly term-time workshops, which culminates in an annual showcase. Each DanceBase project is lead by an experienced dance teacher. Ten disabled trainees also attend, gaining work experience and raising the profile of disabled artists.

What were the aims of your project?
DanceBase puts ability, not disability, centre stage. It provides an opportunity for disabled people to perform and dance in a safe, fun and creative environment. It also provides an invaluable network of support and advice to participants and their carers and families.

What happened as a result of your project?
As a result, the talents of our participants were nurtured and developed. Many participants come back term after term, enjoying increased confidence, new friends and the chance to perform and challenge perceptions about disabled artists.
Feedback about DanceBase:
"For the first time ever I feel like my daughter is being valued as the dancer she is. Nobody here has ever seen her wheelchair as a disability, more as an opportunity to move in a unique way"
"This group has made a real difference to our lives (myself and my son) we both feel accepted and supported, valued for who we are with everything that comes with us."

What evidence did you produce to show your project’s impact?
We assess each participant when they first join DanceBase and make a record of their skills and needs. As each term finishes, these are updated to show progress and to outline what we can do to encourage future progression. The fact that many go onto join our professional training programme shows the impact DanceBase has on their lives and their future life choices. We also gather a wide range of feedback from participants and their carers such about the impact:
"It’s brilliant! My daughter has made fantastic progress, she really engages now and absolutely loves the sessions. She is coming out of her shell more and actively seeking interaction with others, school have also commented on the difference in her!"

What 2 tips would you offer to someone else running a similar project?
• Don’t be afraid to change your approach around participants needs.
• Build your community and create support networks outside class times.

Your contact details to help people find more information
Jo Gibb
Email: jo@artsbase.org.uk
www.artsbase.org.uk

If you have an Arts and Health project that you would like to share through Creative Hertfordshire, please go to http://www.creativehertfordshire.com/the-art-of-wellbeing/call-for-hertfordshire-arts-and-health-projects-to-showcase/

For more information visit http://www.artsbase.org.uk/