Anjali Dance Company (UK, ongoing)
Claire Russ has championed Anjali Dance Company, Britain's first professional learning-disabled touring dance company, created a high-impact dance video with women who are the victims of domestic violence, toured to China with an integrated disabled and non-disabled group of students, and choreographed 100 participants aged eight to 80, in a large-scale community play. Disability awareness project (UK, 2002)
In July 2002, a school residency led to a performance by 40 physically disabled students and 10 students in Further Education (FE). The FE students underwent training sessions and took creative leadership roles. The project raised awareness of disability in mainstream college life, encouraged integration and friendship between students and contributed to the training of young arts practitioners.
Partners: National Lottery, Arts Council England, St Giles School, Brit School. Accidental Damage (UK, 1999)
Claire Russ worked with female victims of domestic violence. The project was created for films and aimed to offer a creative outlet for women, increase awareness and funding, and save a network of refuges under threat. The projects was successful in these outcomes.
Partners: Stafforshire County Council, West Midlands Arts. Student ambassadorial tour (UK/China, 1990)
An ambassadorial tour to China with 10 students from schools in Coventry, England, including Roy, a 15 year-old boy with a learning disability. The project, funded by Coventry City Council, led to a delegation to Jinan, China to assist with developing policies on disability.
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