TYPE OF WORK
Contemporary dance company that undertakes workshops and performances primarily with children and young adults with physical and learning difficulties

TARGET GROUPS
The company works both within rural settings and city based centres, mainly working with young people and adults who have a disability and young people who have emotional difficulties, or who challenge the mainstream education.

GEOGRAPHICAL CONTEXT
UK, Western and Southern Europe

COMPANY POLICY
IDC exists to create thought-provoking dance. It uses movement and dance to craft performances which celebrate individuality and increase awareness of the creativity of people with learning or physical disabilities. The company create workshops which engage the participants at all levels helping them to be the creators and performers of the eventual outcomes.

IDC has developed the first accredited dance training programmes for disabled people in the UK. Each programme is delivered over a 12-month period, offering an opportunity for the learner to train for three years. Courses are First Movement, First Steps and Moving and Stepping.

SCALE OF PROJECTS
Number of practitioners: 2-3
Number of participants: 6-20
Preparation time: Varies
Contact time: 2 days - 2 weeks

PERMANENT STAFF: 9
Andi Higginson, Artistic Director

The work which the company creates is as accessible as possible to participants with a mixture of movement abilities, including walking, aided, wheelchair users. Most outcomes are directed at raising the self awareness and confidence of individuals.

The company works alongside health, education, local authority and regional/national dance agencies and has helped to initiate several dance groups/clubs through residencies at various locations.

All of the disabled members of iDC have now completed accredited dance training and are some of the first disabled people in England to have done this.

Tour of three new works. (February 2004 onwards)

Residency, South Bank Centre. (London, UK, June 2004)

Ongoing residency work with the Birmingham Royal Ballet.

New training initiatives for practitioners.

Andi Higginson
PO Box 57
Plymouth
Devon PL1 3YT

T/F +44 (0)1752 509029

E andi@higginsonarts.fsnet.co.uk

“iDC is accomplished, stylish and affective. The performance and outreach work is outstanding – an encounter with iDC changes lives.’’
Kate Castle, Director, Dance South West National Dance Agency, UK

“iDC represent an inspiring model for best practice in community dance. They are a warm and welcoming group and push back the boundaries of dance and disability.”
Lee Fisher, Principal Performer and Education Team Member, The Birmingham Royal Ballet, UK

“I never cease to be amazed by the sheer beauty and professional discipline displayed by the dancers in their performances.’’
Jonathan Cross, Head of Performing Arts and Media, Plymouth College of Further Education, UK

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