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Commissioned by People Dancing, photography by Sean Goldthorpe

11 Million Reasons - Asian Premiere

11 Million Reasons was conceptualised by People Dancing in 2014 to positively profile Deaf and disabled people in dance activity in the UK. The project developed from a core vision to de-segregate Deaf and disabled people, and to help facilitate a change in perceptions that can surround those who participate in dance. 

With funding from Unlimited Impact, People Dancing commissioned emerging photographer, Sean Goldthorpe to create 20 high quality images inspired by iconic dance moments in film. These stunning, powerful, emotive, and humorous images - many with a subtle but relevant message - in which Deaf and disabled people are centre stage, re-imagining iconic roles from well-known and loved films from a diversity of genres, act as a resource and inspiration to hearing impairment and disabled people who dance already, and those who would like to dance in the future.

The project took place in over 12 indoor and outdoor locations and 21 separate shoots, with over 160 people involved. The work took three months in total to complete. Its Asian premiere is presented by the British Council in Hong Kong at Popsy Modern Kitchen from 5 October to 20 November 2016. 

Asian Premiere Exhibition

5 October – 20 November 2016
Tuesday to Saturday 12.00 - 22.00 | Sunday 11.00 - 15.00
Monday closed

Free admission

Popsy Modern Kitchen
5/F The Wellington 198 Wellington Street Central Hong Kong

Click here to see the online exhibition and share your thoughts with us by completing the online questionnaire HERE

Get involved and share your thoughts

Visit our Facebook page and get involved. Share your thoughts about the exhibition, and vote for your favourite image by completing the online questionnaire HERE. You will stand a chance to win a coffee voucher worth $50.*

#11Millionreasons #BritishCouncilHK #PeopleDancing #PopsyKitchen #InclusiveDance 

*Please refer to the online questionnaire for terms and conditions.

11 Million Reasons Short Films 

In support of the exhibition, six short films titled Progression, Contemplation, Sensation, Inclusion, Motion, and Adaption have been produced, featuring Deaf and disabled people who love to dance as part of their enjoyment of everyday life is available. To see how some of the images being created, watch the behind-the-scenes and the short films below.

Contemplation

Is there one aesthetic for a dancer? What does a dancer look like? During the creation of the People Dancing photography exhibition, 11 Million Reasons which re-creates iconic dance moments from films with Deaf and disabled people centre stage, People Dancing asked some of the participants three questions and present their combined responses in the film 'Contemplation'.

Adaption

In the film 'Adaption', dancers Laura Dajao and Mickael Marso Riviere discuss dance within the hip hop culture, and highlight how better awareness around access can ensure inclusivity. Dancing and adapting movement together, they create a beautifully inspiring and engaging duet. This film has been made in partnership with the MS Society.

Please click here to see the film.

Inclusion

People Dancing has created this short film in partnership with Youth Dance England to inspire inclusive groups and group leaders working with disabled young dancers to apply to be part of U.Dance 2015 in Plymouth. Youth Dance England and its partners aim to have 20% of its 2015 U.Dance applications from inclusive and disability focused dance groups. 

This film evaluates the experience of Oak field School Dance Group during their U.Dance 2014 experience and raises key questions from an inclusive group perspective. The young people and group leaders discuss their experience, including the hopes and fears, and provide a valuable insight to how any group of young people can successfully take part in U.Dance 2015.

Please click here to see the film.

Progression-Beths Story

People Dancing in partnership with Dance4, have created this short film which features young disabled dancer Beth Gardiner. Throughout the film we hear from Beth herself about her passion for dance, her progression and development from school through to being on the Centre for Advance Training programme, plus her ambitions for the future. This film supports the changing perceptions report commissioned by Dance4 and aims to highlight young disabled dancers’ progression routes. This beautifully made and compassionate film tells Beth’s story in her own words.

Please click here to see the film.

Sensation

This short film commissioned by People Dancing focuses on the work of Isabel Jones, Artistic Director of Salamanda Tandem. The film shares excerpts of participatory practice and performance work, and her thoughts and approaches to working in a fully accessible way in dance.

Please click here to see the film.

Motion

'Motion' is commissioned by the Wheelchair Dance Sport Association and People Dancing. Brother and sister duo Linda and Stephen talk openly about the genre of Ballroom dancing, and in particular dancing with a disability. The positivity that dancing brings, along with their aspirations and plans for the future.

Please click here to see the film.

The Participants
The participants involved in 11 Million Reasons are predominately Deaf and disabled people for whom dance is a large part of their life, professionally, or vocationally. People Dancing worked with people of all ages, from local schools and youth groups, adults who dance in their local communities, through to some of the leading disabled choreographers and professional dancers in the UK.

The diversity of the people involved captured the spirit of 11 Million Reasons, and supports the aims in helping to change perceptions that can surround Deaf and disabled people who dance. Each one of the participants helped 11 Million Reasons achieve outstanding results.

Photographer – Sean Goldthorpe
Set Dresser – Nicky Moorhouse
Hair and Make up – Kristie Matthiae
Photographer Assistant – Oscar Henton

For full list of the people involved in 11 Million Reasons, please visit: www.communitydance.org.uk/11millionreasons 


About Popsy Modern Kitchen
Purveyors of an enchanting, visual dining experience, Popsy Modern Kitchen defines the space where art and contemporary comfort cuisine converge in a whimsical, relaxing and unforgettable sensory journey. At Popsy Modern Kitchen, guests unwind with a smile and experience harmony between the mind, the eyes and the palate, redefining the boundaries of what’s possible when art and food become one. Stunning flavours inspired by fresh produce and our Michelin-trained team of chefs await at Popsy Modern Kitchen, where everything from an intimate meal to grand occasions come to life through the power of artistic expression. Welcome to Popsy Modern Kitchen, where every day is a captivating reason to EAT MORE ART.

About People Dancing
People Dancing is the development organisation and membership body for community and participatory dance, working across the UK and internationally. Established in 1986, People Dancing has more than 2,300 members and reaches 4,500 dance professionals worldwide. People Dancing’s leadership of the community dance network provides a platform for exchange, critical debate and peer learning. This exposes its members to diverse dance practices and new contacts, expanding their professional horizons and strengthening their professional identity.

About Sean Goldthorpe
Sean Goldthorpe is a Leicester based emerging photographer. He is currently studying at De Montford University and has worked on a number of commissions including work for Curve Theatre, Leicester. Through Unlimited Impact funding, we engaged established professional photographer Drew Gardiner for a select period to mentor Sean to develop his skills in photography.

Presented by: The British Council
In partnership with: Popsy Modern Kitchen and GREAT
Commissioned by: People Dancing with Sean Goldthorpe
Supported by: Unlimited Impact and Arts Council England

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