Dance United

Building Bridges benefits marginalised young people socially segregated due to their special needs, cultural identity, behavioural and/or social difficulties or physical disability.  These young people are often excluded from full participation in society by the organisation of both our physical and social environment. The programme seeks to build connections between different groups, to celebrate difference, engender a change in attitude and facilitate a process of integration into the community through the use of dance.

Performance projects have included and will include:

Youth DU Sutemos

(Dungannon 2012-2013)

A youth dance development project for a core group of young people from the Dungannon area.  Formed after a full DU Dance performance project in the area (Dec 2010-March 2011), the group works inter-culturally, with a high proportion of young people coming from minority cultures and integrates young people with learning difficulties.  The programme encourages young people to be actively involved in the  planning and devising of work, engages them physically and creatively together and provides a powerful forum for cultural sharing.

Sutemos (Craic Theatre, Coalisland, March 2011)

50 young people were involved in this inter-cultural project.  An extensive workshop programme and four community celebration evenings with over 210 people, led to three public performances.

Look For The Me In It
(Clotworthy Arts Centre, Antrim, Dec 2006)

Performers – Post 16 young people from two MLD Special Schools in the North Eastern Education & Library Board

Our Odyssey
(The Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey, June 2006)

Performers – Post 16 young people from two MLD Special Schools in the North Eastern Education & Library Board

First They Came & Messages From Ourselves
(Waterfront Hall, Belfast, May 2005)

Performers – young people from Newtownabbey Education Guidance Centre and Loughshore Educational Resource Centre. ‘Messages From Ourselves’ was performed by young people from Tor Bank Special School and Loughshore Educational Resource Centre

Better Is Peace
(Stranmillis Theatre, Belfast, May 2004)

Performers – 23 young people from Cedar Lodge Special School and Loughshore Educational Resource Centre.

Up With The Gods
(Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey, April 2003)

Performers – 32 young people and 6 adults from Rosstulla School and Newtownabbey Education Guidance Centre.

Out Of The Rubble
(Coleraine, March 2002)

Performers – pupils and staff from Sandelford Special School (young people with severe learning difficulties, between the ages of 9-13years) and Sunlea Education Guidance Centre (young people excluded from mainstream education, between the ages of 13-16years).