Here are some reactions from people who have been involved in Access and Inclusion work...

Participants
“I want to carry on dancing after the show…. Helps me get rid of my anger.”

“I learned that you can work with anyone because we started working together and developed good working relationships, we learned trust and respect for each other.”

“The project changed my behaviour – it has calmed me down – you can’t go mad and wild there – you have to behave or you get sent home and I wanted to stay.”

“I want to remember the confidence I gained from doing something new.”

“When I think about dance I feel proud.”

“I’m ready to try other new things – things I never thought I’d try before, because I have the confidence.”

“When I started this project, I didn’t think I would get anywhere, but now I believe I can.”

Group Leaders
“Your performance tonight has been absolutely amazing. The journey you’ve all taken has been truly amazing.”

“In terms of personal and social skills development, I think he has had the most positive experience from the workshop. He has built up his confidence, team working skills and also problem solving skills. He reflected on his ASDAN challenge that he missed going there. He recognised that his fitness level had improved and he enjoyed the whole experience very much. I am not sure if you are aware that he has a specific learning difficulty (dyslexic and possibly ADHD), having such a positive feedback like this is quite an achievement.”

“We are still really buzzing with the success of the project for our students – the impact it has had on them and their relationship with us – particularly the staff members who accompanied them is remarkable. Obviously there are still difficulties but students like ‘K’ have started to interact with staff on a different level. ‘K’ has never willingly participated in any evaluation before.”

“I had always thought of dance as a fantastic discipline and means of artistic expression, but had not realised fully the power of dance to communicate, not just visually but through the experience of performing, working, rehearsing, developing relationships, etc. It was fantastic for us and the students.”

“We are thrilled with the outcome and think that the students achieved something we never thought was possible.”

“Participate, don’t be scared to take that leap of faith. It really works!”

“This has been a tremendous learning experience for all of those involved – students and staff
alike. I would do it again definitely.”

Audience Members
“An inspiring dance project with a challenging group of young people who had clearly progressed hugely both in dance and confidence.”

“It was really good how the kids have gelled together bearing in mind that they probably didn’t know each other before they started. To see them put so much confidence in each other and work together as a team. I think they did brilliantly. It was absolutely fantastic. Really enjoyed it.”

Dance Artists
“The participants were quite unconfident at the beginning of the project and seemed to say a lot of ‘I can’t do that’ but at the end of the project they were really enjoying the performing and sharing their skills with other young people and I saw a real change in their confidence and ability.”

“It was very inspirational to work with such talented artists. I have been using and developing so many of the techniques we created together on my present projects – working in a team is a must on this type of project. It has been such an important and influential project…. Wow, what rewards I received both personally and professionally.”