Big Jigsaw - Access and Inclusion

Access and Inclusion

Big Jigsaw is Dancefest's access and inclusion programme, which aims to challenge, surprise and push boundaries in integrated dance, working with disabled and non-disabled people of all ages and abilities. 

Get in touch

Michele Holder is our Dance Development Team Leader (Access and Inclusion) and you can contact her about any aspect of our inclusive work.

Michele's direct number: 07779 507593 (Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
michele@dancefest.co.uk

Access and Inclusion in Education

We can create bespoke projects for schools and colleges inspired by different themes or curriculum-based activities. Schools can be part of local cluster sharings that Dancefest organises or become part of our larger scale performance projects.

Come Travel with Me
A day of participatory movement and visual arts that takes place in and around a specially constructed dance ‘yurt’. Based on the book ‘We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt’ by Steve Metzger, Come Travel with Me explores the world of trees.

The Communication Tree
An inclusive performance project for SEN and mainstream schools working collaboratively in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Using dance and live music, The Communication Tree will be a relaxed performance exploring branches of communication. Sessions are available throughout the summer term, working towards performances on Thursday 5 July and Friday 6 July at The Courtyard, Hereford. If your school or college would like to get involved, please contact Michele Holder

Inclusive Performance Company

Jigsaw Performance Company
An integrated group for disabled and non-disabled dancers who meet at 4.30-6.30pm on Wednesdays at Aspire Community Hub, Hereford, HR1 2EA. You can find out more on our class timetable and by contacting Michele Holder.

Venues

Most of the venues we use are accessible for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility but please contact the Dancefest office to check accessibility for the venue where your class takes place.

Equipment available from Dancefest

We have a range of resources which are available to loan to groups working with disabled people of all ages. Funded by the Pippin Trust, they include:

  • parachutes
  • inflatable floating shapes
  • large body elastics
  • stretchy fabrics
  • octobands
  • glitter balls. 

If you'ld like to use any of our resources for workshops or events please contact Michele Holder.

The Magical Umbrella DVD

Dancefest and The Music Pool commissioned a DVD of the performance at The Courtyard on 22 and 23 March 2016. If you would like a copy please contact The Music Pool at 01432 278118 or info@musicpool.org.uk.