Shifting Perspectives: A Symposium Of Inclusive Dance Practice In Leeds

A brand new dance company launches in Leeds, created to break down barriers and nurture a dance culture where everyone feels recognised. Unbound Dance Theatre launches with a special symposium event Shifting Perspectives at Yorkshire Dance Leeds on Friday 26 April. Professionals working with dance and accessibility in the arts are invited to come together, see new works in progress and hear from guest speakers, hosted by a company that now adds itself to a list of incredible dance organisations that call Leeds home.

Founded by Dance Artist, Choreographer and former Phoenix dancer Sandrine Monin, Unbound sets out on a mission, ‘to champion inclusivity, connection and expression’ and make dance more accessible.

Delving into the world of inclusive dance, with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity for the blind and visually impaired (B/VI) community, the symposium is a free event supported by Leeds Inspired and Arts Council England. Ideal for dance practitioners, educators, students, artists, and anyone interested in fostering inclusivity in the arts to come together and find out more, the event will also be live streamed for those unable to attend in person.

“Over two and a half years ago, I delved into research on dance and accessibility for the Blind and visually impaired community. Little did I know, this would be a profound turning point in my practice, reshaping not only my perspective on dance but the very essence of why and how I teach, create and share dance.

We are particularly interested in understanding how movement and sound intertwine and are working with an innovative sound and movement interaction technology – echome – that creates kinesonic experiences, working in partnership with the University of Leeds” Founder and Artistic Director of Unbound Dance Theatre, Sandrine Monin

Sandrine and her company of dancers, both professional and creative collaborators from the Blind and Visually Impaired community, will be sharing snippets of a new work, Fireflies at Dawn ahead of performance dates in June and July at Bradford Alhambra Studio, CAPA College Wakefield and Slung Low Warehouse, Leeds.

Guest speakers include: Maria Kapsali, PhD - Professor in Physical Performance, University of Leeds, developer of digital wearable interface, echome, Jen Toksvig - theatre maker, facilitator and inclusivity expert, Jenn Wilson - creator of the Consent Compass, and Helen Davis B/VI performer and visually impaired dance artist and board director of Unbound Dance Theatre.

The company delivers regular dance workshops tailored for Blind and Visually impaired participants with dates at Yorkshire Dance Leeds, Kala Sangam Bradford and in Harrogate. To take part, simply email info@unbounddancetheatre.com and to register for the free symposium and launch event visit www.unbounddancetheatre.com