People Dancing: changing perceptions through inclusion and interventions

AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Award (with People Dancing).

This project will examine the intersection between dance and disability in the UK and the impact of strategic and artistic interventions in the dance landscape aiming at changing people's perceptions of difference in dance. Working with People Dancing, the project will seek to look at the short and long-term impact of their project: '11Million Reasons' before going on to develop a dance and disability intervention that examines what impact interventions can have on the public, on performance spaces and venues, as well as arts organisations and policymakers. With a base in Leicester, People Dancing works with, and on behalf of artists, organisations and teachers involved in leading, delivering or supporting community and participatory dance. Their mission is to "transform the lives of individuals and communities through dance". People Dancing's "leadership of the community dance network provides a platform for exchange, critical debate and peer learning, exposure to diverse dance practices, new contacts, and expands professional horizons in terms of profile and professional identity". Their membership reaches in excess of 4,500 dance professionals worldwide.