I delivered 2 workshops as part of a mental health project in a deprived area in Brighton, aimed at forging connections between members of the community, increasing a sense of well being, being physical and having fun. It was aimed at adults but we also had a couple of very young babies attend! One attached to mum in a harness, the other 2 days away from being born! The first workshop was Egyptian Folk Dance and the second was Samba and Brazilian dances. Both workshops had a strong focus on leaving your day/week behind and focusing on the sensation of one's body moving. Plenty of opportunity was given for relaxed conversation, input to the session content and direction and personal creativity. [Pictures to follow from Project Manager.]

I was chosen to participate in a 10-week practise based research project (initiated by Rosetta Life and supported by Trinity Laban) investigating the impact of dance in end of life care contexts. This included training in working in these contexts and the approach to be investigated. I assisted the planning and delivery of intergenerational sessions at Tower Bridge Care Home, London, with older adults with dementia and 6 year old children from the neighbouring primary school. Sessions had a strong focus on improvisation and engaging with others through touch, movement and breath. I also presented the research and approach in a practical workshop at the Creative Dementia Arts Network Conference 2012 at the Albany, Deptford, London.