Generations Dance Day in North London

The environment

Our festival is deeply committed to environmental sustainability by encouraging attendees to travel in small groups using eco-friendly transportation such as cars or buses. We have implemented a user-friendly QR code system for easy access to information and booking. Our primary focus is on local engagement, striving to bring our artistic endeavours to communities that are often overlooked. The majority of our events are held in community and educational settings, fostering a sense of inclusivity and accessibility.

The local economy

We have contributed to the local economy by creating job opportunities and promoting economic growth. We have utilised our local theatre by organising events to introduce the community to its facilities. Additionally, we have provided support to local teachers and companies, fostering connections and collaboration within our community.

Volunteering, jobs & education

We offered a unique opportunity for 5 students from Middlesex University and 5 individuals from the local community to gain hands-on experience shadowing various roles including Stage Manager, Project Manager, Marketing team, workshop teachers, and workshop facilitators. In preparation for the festival, we collaborated closely with volunteers to provide work placements, engage in strategic planning, facilitate communication with organisations, and promote the event through marketing efforts.

Arts, culture & heritage

Our project brought people together in a celebration of culture, arts, and heritage. We learned the stories of Barnet Borough through the people's stories, workshops, and performances. We brought together artists, our local theatre, local communities, and generations to strengthen the relationships between each other and make a connection with heritage and the arts. Our festival was a free event, and we also supported artists to perform. We provided cultural access and support for members of our communities who experience disadvantages to overcome barriers to engagement. We offered a program with tangible skills development and an improved sense of well-being. Our project created a collaborative to engage communities in support of arts, culture, and heritage by: - Using dance and music activities from different parts of the world and history. Dance preserves history and culture and serves as a toolkit to enthuse engagement. - Using workshops to celebrate dance and heritage with the wider general public. - Community-based arts practitioners bringing members together to build relationships and get involved.

Activity, health and leisure

This project was a great success in every way. It brought generations together through participation in workshops and watching performances. The physical exercises, dance classes, and creative movement sessions helped participants overcome personal challenges and improve their mental well-being in a safe and joyful environment. We received fantastic feedback from the participants. Our focus was on well-being, using movement and dance-related exercises to promote various health benefits such as stretching, physical and cognitive training, learning new skills, and reducing social isolation. The classes were held in an open and welcoming environment and were suitable for anyone interested in creative movement or community and participatory dance. The positive feedback has led us to open new dance classes.