Holly, Alice and James go to out of space!

Monday 10^th March 2014

Holly, Alice and James from the dance team went along to The Mighty Creative’s event in Leicester, Embedding creativity in the Primary Curriculum. We were very excited to find that the venue for the conference was in fact the National Space Centre itself! Amazed as we walked in we were ushered into a theatre where we felt like astronauts straight away, gazing up to the sky in recycling chairs. 

Starting the morning off with keynote speakers such as Emma Trounson – Professional Choral conductor, who taught us to sing and sing in a round as a group. Also, we heard from Jason Wilsher Mills – Bluejayway Digital Arts, Gary Halliday – UK Film School and Liz Macfarlane.

We were then split off into the workshops we had selected for the day. Holly and Alice went along to the new Primary Curriculum. Holly and Alice learnt about the overall changes in the primary curriculum and how there is now more freedom within the framework as to how to deliver it. There is more intention on finding new and interesting ways of delivering it but contacting specialists in different areas to help with this. James went to a workshop based on delivering dance through the PE and Sport Premium funding, where he found more information about the fund and it’s potential. 

After a networking lunch Holly, Alice and James went together to their next workshop Dance in the Curriculum. Alice was shocked to find that the session was actually in fact a practical one. However, she got her moves out and represented the artsNK Dance team very well! Within the workshop we learnt about different ways you can teach the curriculum through the use of dance. We looked into the 3 main core subjects of Maths, English and Science. It gave Holly and James lots of new ideas to try when working in Primary Schools.

For the last workshop of the day Holly, Alice and James explored the space centre! Acting like very excited children the 3 went off to explore. Did you know that if you put the planets into water the only one that would float would be Saturn? Fun fact of the day! Also, they would recommend a ride on the simulator! 

All in all the day was a very productive and successful one, taking away a greater insight into the Primary Curriculum and how we as artists can have our own creative input within the educational setting.

On With The Dance

On Friday 7th December, artsNK Dance held the On With The Dance course at Harpers Gym, Sleaford. The teacher training course designed by the artsNK Dance Development Team, is constructed to inspire participants whilst building their creative skills and confidence.

The group being introduced to the activities.

Warm up exercises in action.

The course got into full swing straight away, with a brief introduction followed by the participants being up on their feet and taking part in activities. Through the use of beanbag games and warm up exercises, the group got to know one another whilst gaining some insight into what they could use when teaching children. After the informative warm up, the course moved onto it’s main focus around performance. The attendees were then split up into groups of two and three, they were handed a picture and asked to develop a performance piece from it. Focusing on the Aztec's, the groups produced creative and well thought out pieces which impressed. Throughout the rest of the day, these pieces would be developed culminating into one big performance.

Groups looking at their picture.

Performances in action.

Working as part of a group, this allowed the participants to put forward their ideas whilst learning how to use them effectively and confidently. Using different types of music and dance techniques, participants got to experience how dance can be used for expanding children's creativity and interpreting ideas, as well as furthering their own skills.

Alongside the physical activity, there were many chances for the participants to discuss the theory aspect of the course. This was a chance for them to not only talk about what they had been doing, but to also discuss new ideas and theory which they could put into practice in the classroom or their classes.

Many of the group had only positive comments for the course with many saying it had inspired them and that it was a ‘brilliant course’ which was ‘fast moving and to the point’.

On With The Dance isn’t just for those in Education. Today the course took place at the University of Lincoln with Sport Development and Coaching Students.

The next course shall be taking place on 22nd March 2013 in Lincoln.

If you are interested in taking an On With The Dance course then please follow our Facebook page and Twitter for more updates. You can also find out more by contacting us. 

Links can be found on the contact page.