Dancing Inside was an 18-month ground breaking project delivered by Motionhouse at HMP Dovegate as part of Arts Council England’s ‘Dance Included’ programme.
Between January 2003 and July 2004 under Kevin’s leadership, our Motionhouse dancers worked closely with small groups of residents from HMP Dovegate’s therapeutic community to develop physical skills, promote creative exploration and devise 2 performances for their peer community. One was performed outside in the exercise area and 1 was developed in response to, and performed in, their accommodation wings.
Over 8 residencies we used contact improvisation to teach the men skills and build their confidence in their own performance.
Dancing Inside was researched and evaluated by both Dance and Forensic Psychology departments at Surrey University. To see the first and final reports from Surrey University on the project click on the links below:
Click here for Dancing Inside | University of Surrey Stage 1 Report
Click here for Dancing Inside | University of Surrey Final Report
You can also read an article from one of our dancers about being involved in the project by clicking here