Green Candles Moving into Maturity training day in leading dance with older people was a successful day with fun had by all! The day gave participants the opportunity to discuss and put into practise a wide variety of topics for those wishing to bring movement into the lives of older people.

It was a productive day with participants gaining an insight into working with active and frail older adults, the barriers and misconceptions of ageism in society, the relevance of dance in the older generation and those living with dementia as well as providing participants with the chance to physically explore the sensory benefits of using props and an understanding of the structure and content of both seated and standing dance classes.

The group were fortunate enough to be joined by members of Green Candles Senior Dancers in the afternoon which was a thoroughly enjoyable and inspiring experience for all who attended, especially as they had the opportunity to choreograph with the GC senior dancers gaining hands on practice with those in the know!

One participant commented that she ‘had a really great time with everyone and enjoyed working with the seniors tremendously.’

Another felt ‘It made making my own form of workshops more obtainable whereas before it seemed something I just wouldn’t be able to do on my own. Inspiring!’

The day left everybody with a sense of empowerment in their own ability and a deeper appreciation of what dance can do for older people and as one participant put it, it provided them with ‘a ‘toolkit’ with which to get started!’

If you missed out don’t worry Green Candle Dance Company will be running a Level 3 Diploma in leading dance with older people accredited by Open College Network London Region, so keep your eyes peeled, we will be posting updates on our website and Facebook page soon.

Photo's by Ellen Brittany Lake

Photo's by Ellen Brittany Lake

Photo's by Ellen Brittany Lake

For the full album from the day please follow the link to our Facebook page.

Sagacity! a day of dance for older people organised as part of the Capital Age Festival 2013, was hosted by Green Candle Dance Company and received amazing feedback from those that participated in the various activities on offer throughout the day.

‘Today was a true inspiration and absolutely necessary, creative dance for all ages is truly heavenly, well done Green Candle, a worthy charity.’ Participant’s feedback

The day commenced with people arriving from all across London to participate in the morning dance workshops of which they could choose contemporary, ballet, seated and tap dance. Each class was abundant with enthusiastic participants keen to brush up on or try a new dance style.  One participant commented that ‘they were excellent and challenging classes’ and she ‘really enjoyed them.’

Photo's by Daniela Brenna. http://danielabrenna.wix.com/

After lunch participants had the opportunity to try their hand at arts and crafts including paper quilling and jewellery making, with many going away with new brooches, bracelets and gift cards they had made themselves as a special keep sake of the day. Tai chi was also on offer and this attracted many partakers wanting to find a little serenity after an exuberant morning,  as did the portable massage centre with massages still being had late on into the afternoon and some even going back for more than one!

Photo's by Daniela Brenna. http://danielabrenna.wix.com/

In the early evening eight established older dance companies each took to the stage for a well-received performance in the Oxford House theatre. There was a vivid array of talent on display with companies performing pieces in varying styles and genres to a great reception from a supportive audience.

One audience member commented ‘I wouldn’t have missed this for the world! I’m amazed at the talent and energy shown by the groups.’

Photo's by Daniela Brenna. http://danielabrenna.wix.com/

With participants, audience members and performers having experienced a fantastic free day of dance, many people shared their appreciation and expressed their thanks and interest in returning next year. Green Candle are very thankful for all of the lovely comments we received and hope to be able to replicate such a successful event in the future.

For the full album with photos of the day’s activities please follow the link to our Facebook page.

Summer Round Up 2013      
After a brilliantly busy summer for the company delivering our range of dance sessions, projects and activities we thought we would share with you some of our highlights and the great achievements of the wonderful people we have had the pleasure to work with.

ParkourDance at Harpley 
Funded by the THAMES Dance Consortium some adventurous outdoor obstacles were conquered in Parkour Dance’s sessions at Harpley Pupil Referral Unit, with young people facing their fears, measuring and taking risks, gaining strength and agility and building confidence through play, exploration and adapting to the environment.

ParkourDance @ Harpley PRU

Bangla Hop! at Harpley PRU
Making their own funky dance video Green Candle worked with another group of young people at Harpley Pupil Referral Unit in Bangla Hop!a fusion of Asian and street dance. Young people worked hard in preparing a dance video which was presented to teachers, friends and family in their annual achievement day. The girls impressed the audience with their skill, dance technique and performance.

BanglaHop! @ Harpley PRU

Rachel Keeling Nursery 
The wonder of the life cycle of creepy crawly caterpillars becoming beautiful butterflies in flight was explored in our sessions looking at mini-beasts at Rachel Keeling Nursery. With the children enjoying interaction and working together as team to create butterfly symmetry with a partner and exploring shapes, levels, directions and movement sensations throughout the transformation process; improving balance, coordination and spatial awareness and problem solving. This project was funded through the THAMES Dance Consortium.

Rachel Keeling Nursery "Minibeasts"

Rachel Keeling Nursery "Minibeasts"

Flying Gorillas Intergenerational Project
A class of year 6 pupils participated in a dance and percussion project based on the theme of ‘Dancing Together!’ to perform at Kensington Day Care Centre for an intergenerational sharing celebration. Green Candle led a workshop incorporating both Kensington Day Centre members and the Oxford Garden Pupils and the room was filled with laughter, energy and interaction. The pupil’s performance went down very well and the audience asked for an encore so the pupils repeated the dance once more after everybody had had their lunch! This project was commissioned by The Flying Gorillas.

Flying Gorillas - Intergenerational Project

Zimbabwe  Association
We have been honoured to have the opportunity to work with members of the Zimbabwe Association where Green Candle was asked to choreograph a piece commemorating the International Day in Solidarity with Victims/Survivors of Torture. On 26^th June 2013, 17 different organisations were brought together and the day was filled with presentations, poetry and performances of different art forms; all to raise the awareness of this important day.

Wiz Bishop from Zimbabwe Associated commented “Many thanks for being with us and for what each of you did to help make it a good day. We felt that it was a day in which we can say that despite the brutality of the Zimbabwean state, we can still look each other in the eyes and stand together as a community.” For more information about the Zimbabwe Association please go to their website zimbabweassociation.org.uk

Zimbabwe Association Photo by: Daniel Brenna http://danielabrenna.wix.com/danielabrenna

Green Candle Senior Dancers
The Green Candle Senior Dancers added to their repertoire of public performances this year by delighting onlookers at both Sutton House as part of a theatrical event, and at Gillette square in Dalston as part of the Barbicans dance nation’s event. They performed their most recent work Irish Suite featuring the Connemara Cradle Song and the Irish Rover with post performance mini-workshops seeing members of the public gleefully join in with some of the movements.

Green Candle Senior Dancers

Green Candle Dance Company Presents

No Fear!

No Fear! is a light and funny dance theatre production addressing scary things and learning to laugh at them; Vashti and her grandfather go on a journey to find a lost cat and come across many obstacles. Green Candle, one of the country’s most experienced dance companies working with children, will bring 3 professional dancers, a live musician and stimulating set and costume designs to provide enriching entertainment that will fill venues with vibrancy and smiles.

No Fear! is specially designed for children aged 1-5 years (or up to 8 in the case of children with special educational needs). Signing is incorporated into the choreography to make the show accessible to both deaf and hearing children.

Suitable for all the family, No Fear! is not just a story and a spectacle – it also gives several opportunities for the children to become involved in the action, helping Vashti and her grandfather find that elusive cat!

Funded by Arts Council England, The Foyle Foundation and Tower Hamlets Council

SHOWING AT:

STUDIO THEATRE, LABAN BUILDING

On Saturday April 6^th
Two showings available each day at 11.30am and 2.30pm
Optional post-performance workshop for ticket holders at 12:30pm and 3:30pm

Show: Adults £8, Children £5
Workshop and show: Adults £10, Children £8

Tickets available from: http://www.trinitylaban.ac.uk/whats-on/events/dance-events

Perfect Saturday entertainment for all the family!

www.trinitylaban.ac.uk

Faculty of Dance
Laban Building
Creekside
London SE8 3DZ
Tel: +44 (0)20 8305 9400

Please note No Fear! is also available during spring to be affordably privately booked by children’s centres, schools nurseries and community centres. We will bring our dancers and set to you and transform your venue! Please contact Education and Community Manager Chantal Bardouille for further details: chantal@greencandledance.com