Dance in Secure Settings
11 October 2018Over Chameleon’s 15-year history, the Company have been exploring dance and creative movement as a vital method to foster social change. We have worked across a variety of secure settings, including prisons, hospitals, mental health secure units and secure children’s homes both nationally and internationally.
From delivering workshops in a high security young offender’s institution in South Africa to taking professional work into a Category C men’s prison in Greater Manchester, our work in secure settings aims to increase participant self-esteem, resilience and wellbeing and improve communication and relationships through movement and dance.
In 2019, we partnered with fellow Manchester organisation, Odd Arts, to develop BROAD (Building Resilience and Overcoming Adversity through Dance & Drama). BROAD is an innovative, evidence-based theatre programme underpinned by restorative approaches and non-violent communication. It is a ground-breaking programme exploring physical theatre, drama, dance & psychology.
In addition to working in prisons, Company Chameleon have been delivering movement to music sessions in Care Homes since 2019 and most recently in partnership with Lime Arts (Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’s arts and health organisation). Delivered with live musical accompaniment, these sessions encourage residents to gently move and express to music. Not just an exercise class, these sessions engage the whole person, body and mind and help to foster a community spirit amongst residents who are often socially isolated. Through dance, music and creativity, residents can reconnect with themselves and find new connections with others.
To find out more about our project work in secure settings contact: sam@companychameleon.com