Jigsaw Youth - Free summer sessions in Herefordshire

Jigsaw Youth is a new project with young people with learning disabilities, aged 16-25, and living in Herefordshire. Thanks to funding from Herefordshire Council, Dancefest is offering free dance and creativity sessions this summer.

Book for summer sessions

Thank you to everyone who’s been part of our Jigsaw Youth sessions in Herefordshire so far - we've loved meeting and dancing with you!

Join us for these next free workshops! Please click on the workshop name to go to the booking page for that session.

Please contact Elizabeth Crosswell if you have any questions or would like to join our Jigsaw Youth mailing list.

Dancers with learning disabilities taking part in a workshop

Meet the team

Each session will be led by a dance artist and a creative coach, offering engaging dance and art activities. They'll find out what participants would like to do more of, and the best times and places for future sessions to take place. Sign up here to join our Jigsaw Youth mailing list.

Elizabeth Crosswell

Headshot of Elizabeth, white woman in her 40s

 

Elizabeth is Dancefest's Community Engagement Manager and is very experienced in leading classes, performance projects and workshops for learning disabled and non disabled dancers.

She has a person centred approach and wants to bring the joy, fun and emotional connection and empowerment that participating in and being a part of dance can create.

Elizabeth manages Dancefest's inclusive work in Worcester, Malvern and Hereford, and is excited to be working on this new project, to reach dancers and their families and to advocate for their voice to be heard, and to have a wonderful time dancing with everyone.


Janene Wyatt

Headshot of Janene, white woman in her 40s

 

Janene is a passionate and experienced dance artist who has been inspiring people through movement for over 22 years. Specialising in contemporary and creative dance, she has worked with children, young people, and adults of all ages and abilities, creating inclusive and joyful dance experiences in schools, community spaces, and beyond.

As our Education Manager and Delivery Lead, her heart lies in nurturing creativity and confidence in children and young people through dance.

Janene brings warmth, expertise, and a belief in the power of movement to connect, express, and transform. 


Clare Wood

Headshot of Clare, white woman in her 40s

 

Clare is Head of Creative Programmes and has dedicated her career of 24 years to community and participatory dance as an educator, performer, facilitator, mentor, artist, choreographer, participant, activity coordinator and project manager.

She is passionate about the transformative power of dance and strongly believes  that dance can enrich and improve lives, and that dance is for everyone and every body.

 

Enid Gill

Enid, a white woman in her 50s


Enid has worked within contemporary dance for over 30 years, originally training at London Contemporary Dance School (The Place) before dancing for inspirational choreographers including Jane Dudley, Janet Smith, Angela Woodhouse, Alexander Baervoets, Nadine Ganase and Claudio Bernardo.

She has taught at all levels of contemporary and creative dance, performed her own work in Quebec, Canada and was co-programme manager of the Centre for Advanced Training in Dance at The Place.

Enid is an Instructor of ‘L’Art du Chi’, Stevanovitch method of Tai Chi Chuan and runs weekly classes around North Herefordshire.

Enid has worked regularly with Dancefest, facilitating seasons with their Jigsaw Inclusive Adult Dance Company Hereford and performance projects with Making Waves. She is always excited to be working with Dancefest.

Claire Burton MBACP

Claire, a white woman in her 30s


We asked Claire to tell us about herself and this is what she said:

"My name is Claire, and I am a qualified counsellor with a strong background in advocacy.

I have experience working with individuals across a wide range of ages and abilities in diverse settings, including schools, hospitals, and dance schools. My approach is compassionate, inclusive, and tailored to each individual’s needs.

Alongside my counselling work, I am also a dedicated dance teacher, which enriches my understanding of emotional expression and holistic well-being.

I am passionate about supporting young people and fostering environments where they feel heard, respected, and empowered to grow."

Arts Council England Worcester Municipal Charities Laslett's Charities The National Lottery Community Fund Roger and Douglas Turner Trust Public Health, Worcestershire County Council. The Bransford Trust People Dancing Professional Member

Dancefest is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and also gratefully receives funding from Worcester Municipal Charities, Laslett's Charities, The National Lottery Community Fund, Public Health, Worcestershire County Council, The Roger and Douglas Turner Trust and The Bransford Trust.