This weekend, I led three and a half days of professional training on behalf of Dance for Health in Rotterdam, Holland. As an artistic consultant for Dance for Health I have been working closely alongside initiator Marc Vlemmix, their wonderful dancers across the Netherlands and leading teachers including the wonderful Annemarie Labinjo van der Meulen to refine and reshape the programme and bring clarity to their training to support teachers to bring high quality dance opportunities to people with chronic movement disorders.
Annemarie Labinjo van der Muelen and Marc Vlemmix
Teachers of the Dance for Health programme in a creative improvisation workshop
These days gave me the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience in dance for people with Parkinson’s and bring structure, clarity and creative spark; encouraging the teachers to be open, positive and curious at the start of their journey. It was also a chance to apply my research into the qualities of teaching in community dance and finding co-ownership through leadership between dance artist and dance participant.
In the experience of teaching CPD I gain so much for myself. I’m inspired by the honesty and freedom that is made possible in the learning environment when the initial barriers of nerves or preconception are broken down. In the spirit of creativity and playfulness we mapped the journey of learning using imagery throughout the three days…
At Dance for Health we are creating a network where artists and dancers can work together with equal voices to share, bring their knowledge and unique experiences to the table and develop exciting collaborations for dance and health in the Netherlands. I’m grateful to be part of this journey and thank Marc Vlemmix for this opportunity.I’d also like to thank these lovely ladies who welcomed my crazy energy and gave me so much food for thought!