This one day workshop invites artists to explore, question and reflect upon themes of inclusivity and access. Through a gentle score for being together, moving, conversation and reflection, explore what it means to share space with others.
What if ‘inclusion’ as a word is not enough? What if it has never been enough?
How do we embody, negotiate and define how we want to practice together through and with our uniqueness as dance artists and people?
Kimberley and Orrow are keen to delve into the complexities, imperfections and radical possibilities of this topic. Throughout the day they will invite you to sense into, question and reflect on themes of inclusion and access through ‘being together’, through scores, tasks and conversation.
The day will be an experiential reflection on ‘inclusivity’, exploring a gentle score for being together, where the possibility of moving, talking, witnessing, drawing and writing will be offered. There will be shared practical experiences as well as conversation and reflective opportunities. You can choose to engage however you prefer.
What does it mean to share space?
What does it mean to ‘be together’?
What does it mean to genuinely feel included, to be inclusive, or something else beyond these words?
Intersecting themes of power, care and intimacy rest at the heart of the day.
This workshop is designed for all those who self-define as having an artistic practice, regardless of experience, who are interested in the themes of the day. It is open to disabled, d/Deaf, neurodivergent, chronically ill and non-disabled artists working in dance and those with transdisciplinary practices, who feel comfortable holding their own process in the company of others.
3 x free bursary places are available for disabled, d/Deaf, neurodivergent participants and those with long term health conditions. You are invited to register interest for this bursary by emailing info@independentdance.co.uk by Thursday 3 July. This can simply be a statement of interest and confirmation that you meet one of the bursary categories. No details or proof needed. Places will be offered via a random lottery process and all will be informed of outcome by Monday 7 July.
Independent Dance is resident at Siobhan Davies Studios. To find out more about accessibility and the amenities available within the building please see here.
If you have any questions about the accessibility of our programme and would like to discuss any specific access requirements, please feel free to reach out to us via email info@independentdance.co.uk or by phone on 0207 091 9665, to speak directly to a member of the Independent Dance team. Alternatively, you may phone the main reception at Siobhan Davies Studios on 0207 091 9650.
All participants are welcome to take breaks, observe, exit and enter the space as they wish. Lounge areas are available on the first and ground floors of the building. A quiet space is available on the first floor of the building. Yoga mats, blocks, cushions and ear defenders are available for use.
This workshop will be British Sign Language interpreted. Orrow and Kimberley will integrate audio description into their facilitation of the workshop in discussion with participants and their needs.
We also welcome you being in contact if you would like to discuss the option of bringing your access support worker. Please contact the team via email or by phone (0207 091 9665) to arrange.
Orrow Bell’s (they/them) work encompasses performance, dramaturgy, choreography, facilitation, curation, producing and artist wellbeing. Their recent practice and research centres trans creativity and care in dance. They enjoy slipperiness across embodiment, movement and language. Dramaturgy and facilitation work has included: Anders Duckworth, Charlotte Spencer, Chisato Minamimura, Ebony Rose Dark, Edit Domoszlai, Eli Lewis & Joe Garbett, Fuel/Travis Alabanza, Gary Clarke, Julie Cunningham & Co, Neve Harrington, Performing Gender EU Project, Raze Collective. Orrow was Artist Development Producer at The Place (2018-2022), where they also curated Splayed, international festival of queer performance and digital arts. Other curation has included for Rambert and Yorkshire Dance. Orrow’s solo performance works included installation TOMBO(Y)LA (2017), commissioned by Wellcome Collection and theatre show The Forecast (2018), winner of Total Theatre Award at the Edinburgh Festival, selected for the British Council International Showcase. Orrow has performed for emilyn claid, Alessandro Sciarroni, Tino Sehgal, Hussein Chayalan & Damien Jalet, Lea Anderson, Maresa von Stockert, Neon Dance, Giorgia Ohanesian Nardin, Marco D’Agostin and Chiara Frigo. Orrow has led creative practice workshops in Brazil, Hong Kong, Russia, the US and across Europe, they were Lecturer on the Expanded Dance Practice MA at London Contemporary Dance School (2022-24) and Facilitator for Next Choreography at Siobhan Davies Dance (2016-18).
Kimberley Harvey (she/her) is an independent disabled dance artist – performer, choreographer, teacher (and sometimes writer!). As a performer she works in contemporary dance and physical theatre across a variety of settings and contexts. Kimberley has her own dance company, Subtle Kraft Co. Their work centres around relationships in their various forms with connection, communication and curiosity being at the heart of all they do. She choreographs work mainly for live performance and film.
Kimberley had a professional relationship with Candoco Dance Company for 15 years, including as a dance artist and teacher, working nationally and internationally. Most recently, she was the Director of Artist Development and Young People until October 2023.
She was an Artist Advisor for Sadlers Wells (2021-2023) and was the co-curator of the DanceAble Symposium 2022 and 2024 alongside Irene van Zeeland as part of Holland Dance Festival. Kimberley will be continuing her relationship with Holland Dance Festival as their Expert Collaborator for Europe Beyond Access 2.