People Moving is a one day course, written by Jo Parkes and Clare Connor and commissioned/developed by East London Dance. It presents practical ways to create an environment where individual learning can prosper. The training aims to introduce dance practitioners with experience of workshop leading/teaching to the basic considerations involved in working in inclusive settings.

Teaching or leading dance in inclusive settings raises challenges to all of us. When the class before us contains students with physical disabilities, sensory impairments or learning disabilities, we are confronted with the fact that a "one size fits all" approach will not work. Not that we didn't know that anyway! Inclusive settings require that we find alternative models for dance teaching to those with which most of us grew up.

Jo writes:
“For me, dance training was mostly about copying the movement of someone else, working silently, not interrupting the progress of the class and asking few questions. I relied upon the mirror to see if the movement “looked right”. The teacher had all the authority and if I couldn't do something I felt like it was my failure, the failure of my inadequate body."

Integrated dance teaching requires that we, as teachers, approach dance teaching with a different attitude. Clare Connor and I advocate an approach to dance education which starts with each individual, their body and mind and what they can do: an approach in which “individual learning can prosper”. This approach applies whether we are working with an inclusive group or not. It works towards expanding the range of movement, skills and knowledge within each student’s body and mind. We encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning, their own bodies and their own minds. We try to empower them to do this. They inform us about their bodies, ask questions and problem-solve. As teachers, we try to learn about our student's bodies and minds, ask questions and problem-solve.”

To find out more about People Moving, contact Kiki Gale at East London Dance at kiki@eastlondondance.org

"Just wanted to thank you for an amazing workshop yesterday. I have a feeling I will be revisiting the material I learned there for a long time. It was a valuable and inspiring experience on many levels."
Participant, Vancouver, Canada

"The teaching was high calibre. I appreciated the level of skill…genuine warmth, enthusiasm, compassion, clarity and attention to individuals."
Participant, London, England

"I have nothing to compare this course to. Am leaving with a sense of wonder and possibility."
Participant, Vancouver, Canada
   
Photos by Nick Gurney