Dance&US.com
Dance&US.Com is a very descriptive way of telling you who we are: dance, the University of Sunderland and the community. We are an enterprise working to generate and promote quality dance experiences. Our over-arching aim is to improve the quality of life, aspirations and well being of the citizens of Sunderland.
Dance&US.Com offers a variety of dance classes as well as specific community projects tailored to the needs of participants and organisations. It is funded by the Arts Council of England, the City of Sunderland and the University of Sunderland.
For the last five years Sunderland has been recognised as the best University in England for widening participation activity and we, Dance&US.Com, contribute to this important aspect of the University's agenda.
The main aim is the continued development of a dance environment, which offers a high quality and accessible learning experience, fosters equality and diversity, is inclusive and educational and promotes a healthy life style.
Reach Out
Dance&US.Com is committed to promoting all forms of dance and actively encourages participation, including in those sectors not normally reached by dance activity. Our projects meet government, art, university and local agendas and between them they cater for a wide range of ages and abilities. Examples of our community projects include:
Summer School
An annual event that invites young people aged 11-15 to experience and explore different types of dance. The course includes creative dance, musical theatre, salsa, hip hop, jazz, cheerleading, lyrical/stage, contemporary dance and contact improvisation. A final performance of all the work takes place for family and friends to see what the dancers can do.
Phoenix House Project
This was a ten-week project working with a residential rehabilitation centre, Phoenix House. The aim was to enhance the well being (physical and social health) of the residents. Through workshops based at the University, the residents learnt a number of dance styles and perform a final show.
Small Steps, Giant Jumps
Another ten-week project designed, in partnership with the City of Sunderland Family Learning team, to promote dance as part of a fit and healthy lifestyle. Children and their parents/carers from nine nursery schools across Sunderland learnt the value of working creatively together in dance and have lots of fun!
3x3x3
This school based project focuses on year six pupils and uses dance to address issues facing young people during the transitional period between primary and secondary education. The project involves `feeder' secondary schools year seven pupils and culminates in a performance and workshop.
Contact
For more information about Dance&US.Com, the dance classes or community projects, visit www.danceandus.com or contact Sarah Riach on 0191 515 2547, email sarah.riach@sunderland.ac.uk
