Dance in the neighbourhood
28 April 2022As part of The Shadow Spring UK Tour, Company Chameleon is presenting a special community performance of the show, at our home studio for just £3 a ticket including coffee and cake!
“Five days a week, we’re making work at our studio in Openshaw, which tours all over the world, yet people who live on our doorstep don’t necessarily see what we do, which is crazy.” explains Anthony Missen, Co-Artistic Director and choreographer of The Shadow.
“It’s important local people come in, get to know us, and understand what we do here everyday – in a building which was formally a big focal point of the community when it was a primary school.”
“The Shadow was made for theatre, but going to the theatre and organising a trip into town isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. So, this performance is an opportunity for local people to see a dance production without having to travel too far and pay theatre prices.”
Thanks to funding from Arts Council England, Chameleon recently refurbished the main space into a dance studio with professional lighting, a sound system and theatre style seating, which means we can invite in audiences and share high quality performance experiences.
Along with performance, Chameleon’s programme of dance classes is growing. Along with regular classes for young people and professional dancers, a new creative adult dance class will launch in June.
Chameleon’s dance style is creative and accessible, which means anyone can give it a go. This theme follows through to our performance work. People are often surprised by what they see. The movement style breaks with the traditional perceptions around dance and the themes our work explores are relatable and common to everyone.
“We hope the show inspires the people who see it and after visiting once, we a hope people will come back again – to watch something else or even try out a dance class,” says Anthony.
“Based in Openshaw, there’s opportunity for us to increase cultural opportunity on our doorstep, so we can connect the local community through what we do and give back through sharing the many benefits of dance and the arts*.”
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The Shadow
Friday 20 May, 12:15-1pm coffee & cake, 1-2pm performance
Tickets: £3 (pay on the door by cash or card)
Book: 0161 223 6280 | info@companychameleon.com
Company Chameleon, Barrass Street, Openshaw
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*Evidence suggests that people who engage with the arts are more likely to lead healthier lives, including eating healthily and staying physically active, irrespective of their socioeconomic status and social capital. World Health Organisation 2019 | What is the evidence on the Role of the Arts in improving Health and Well-being
Image: Emily Cramby