SCHOOLS

ESD-in-School Residencies

 

ESD-in-School Residencies provide a wonderful opportunity for children to experience the creativity and movement of contemporary dance. By engaging directly with children, the residency programs give them the chance to be active, explore their creativity, and build confidence. These residencies offer a unique way for children to express themselves and create something meaningful through dance, often inspired by their surroundings, like landscapes, the environment, or even abstract concepts such as the universe and planets.

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The courses, which typically run for 6-8 weeks, cater to the individual needs of each school and can be scheduled during or after school hours. Through this program, children not only learn new skills but also have the chance to perform in front of their families (or in digital form / film), helping them develop their self-esteem and social bonds.

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The testimonial from Kate Dalkin, Year 6 Teacher and PE Leader at Westerhope Primary School, emphasises the transformative impact these residencies can have on students, particularly those who might initially be shy or lacking in confidence. By the end of the program, children were able to take pride in their accomplishments and see themselves as dancers, which speaks volumes about the program's positive influence.

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"As a school, we were very grateful for expert dance tuition, some of the children who signed up were very shy and lacked confidence when performing. Through ESD's careful nurturing, the children were all able to take part in a videoed performance that was celebrated with parents and carers. All of the children involved certainly gained lots of confidence and by the end of the workshops definitely saw themselves as dancers."

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These residencies serve as a powerful tool for building self-assurance and teamwork, all while nurturing creativity and physical activity. It's an ideal program for schools looking to offer their children a fresh, enriching experience in the arts.​