Author Archives: SLiDE

We have barely caught our breath yet from the whirl wind that was 2013! The SLiDE calendar was packed with two large community projects, workshops in local schools, youth dance projects and of course the barn dance, attended by 85 people. Anita and I were thrilled by the response to our work: ‘Park Life wasContinue reading “New Directions”

Looking back on ‘Park Life’, in July 2013, one of the performers reflects on her duet with Rick, from Candoco Dance Company. ‘Initially I felt anxious as I felt I was no match for a professional dancer. I embraced it as a challenge, but was worried I might let Rick down. Once we had readContinue reading “Shared Voices – Rosie”

For our current project we are joined by Chloe, a recent graduate of The Urdang Academy. Here she reflects on the ‘Unexpected Item’ journey so far…. Taster workshop, 31st October:  In my first taster session with SLiDE, I found myself from one minute drawing a portrait, of somebody of a similar age and height, withContinue reading “‘Unexpected Item’: Reflections from Chloe”

Yesterday we launched our very first crowd funder to help raise funds for our latest project ‘Unexpected item’. So far the response has been brilliant and we are super excited about our potential backers coming from far and wide. Gifts for our backers include SLiDE visiting your workplace to run a dance workshop, that isContinue reading “SLiDE Launches a crowd funder….!”

On Friday October 25th SLiDE will be hosting their first ever barn dance in Selsdon (Croydon) and it will launch their next community dance project ‘Unexpected item’. The barn dance will be called by Rosemary Harvey, a regular dancer in SLiDE’s projects. Here she discusses her route into barn dancing and the illusive issue, ‘soContinue reading “No barn? No problem”

….the apple tree of technology has been cleared away, the CALAT gates locked for the last time and the dance mat cleaned and put away, is that really the end? Absolutely not. This is just the beginning….. And when asked “what will you miss now that ‘Park life’ has ended?” the responses were hardly surprising….Continue reading “When all the dancers have left the field…..”

Water. Sun tan lotion. Hats. Chair. This has been the unexpected mantra of the group as we try and stay safe in the heat. It has been tough work, but the group still love being outdoors in the park (phew). Moments stand out: a rippling arm echoes a brief and rare breeze through the trees.Continue reading “Choreographing People”

So my life is immitating lyrics at the moment and none more so than of course the 1994 Blur classic ‘Park Life’. Even to the point that this morning (Wednesday) I was rudely woken by the dustmen!!!!! And then we go further back to The Clash classic, ‘Should I stay or should I go?’…. Five monthsContinue reading “Should I stay or should I go?”