Film Premiere of ‘When we meet….5 dances’

On the 5th of February Cheshire Dance premiered an exciting new film as part of their Wanna Dance? Project.

Adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities, who use Adults Services within Cheshire West and Chester were featured sharing their unique dance. 

The film, shown at Theatre Porto, was extremely well received, with Alistair Jeffs, Director of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Vivo Care Choices saying “It was a powerful and moving film with an original score and directing. The premiere was attended by the dancers, their families and friends, their support workers and colleagues from Cheshire Dance, Theatre Porto, and the Council.” 

Councillor Sheila Little, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care attended the premiere and said:

“This is groundbreaking work, and it shows how the space, the power of music and close interaction can enable moving communication between the dancers.” “Knowing that the individuals performing were users of our services in Cheshire West and that they were able to expertly share their emotions through dance was really an emotional and proud moment for them and their families.” 

The film has importance because it brings together the Wanna Dance? Project from Cheshire Dance which focuses on a mission to collaborate with people with PIMD, but also bring in layers of artistic representation from the director/ filmmaker Sam Ryley, (of Canteen Create), and composer Gary Lloyd, (of Company Carpi). 

This collaboration and empathy for the subject results in a beautifully unique piece of work. 

The Wanna Dance? project continues to challenge perceptions of who can dance and is gaining recognition and acclaim from across the sector. 

A spokesperson from Cheshire Dance said “It is a real privilege to work on the Wanna Dance? Programme and we continue to explore with and learn so much from the individuals we dance with each week. In sharing films of our dances, we seek to open up conversations about who dances and what dance can be - at Cheshire Dance, we believe that everyone has the right to be creative and to experience the transformative power of dance.”

Going forward, the creative team behind the project plan to show the film across the UK and beyond, and raise awareness of the potential in projects akin to Wanna Dance?

For more information on the Wanna Dance? project you can see their website HERE.

Pictured - The film premier audience.