“LOVED THAT LEVANTES INCLUDED MORE ‘SENIOR’ MEMBERS IN THE CAST. IT WAS A BIG BOOST TO MY SELF -ESTEEM”
OVER 60’s COMMUNITY - PARTICIPATION WORK
“The experience I had was very important for me. I felt part of something bigger than myself. ”
OUR IMPACT SINCE 2020
160 Community Cast Participants
10 Community Projects
5 Locations with long term community projects Reached
Performing at The Posh Club, Liverpool
ENGAGEMENT & PARTICIPATION
At the heart of our work is collaboration. We partner with venues and organisations to engage older audiences and explore the social realities of ageing. Through strong community relationships, we connect with individuals and groups who are often underrepresented in the UK arts sector.
Rehearsals with community cast members at The Posh Club, Crawley
PARTICIPATION OBJECTIVES
To engage women aged 50+ in creative and social activity
To support participants in forming new connections with others in their local area
To encourage continued involvement in dance and creative activity beyond the project
To reach individuals and communities currently underrepresented in the arts
HOW WE FIND PARTICIPANTS
We work closely with local partners and communities to make sure our opportunities reach the people who will benefit most. This includes:
Collaborating with community groups and organisations
Sharing opportunities through local venues and their networks
Promoting projects through accessible, community-based channels such as libraries, cafés, and local media
Workshop at Arts depot, London
OUR APPROACH TO WORKING WITH PARTICIPANTS
At the heart of our work is the belief that every participant brings something unique. All movement is created by the participants themselves, ensuring it feels personal, authentic and empowering.
We understand that learning and remembering choreography can feel daunting. That’s why we create a supportive structure where participants are encouraged to move in ways that feel natural to them. This approach helps build confidence, ensures comfort, and allows each individual to shape how they are represented on stage.
We prioritise creating a welcoming and relaxed environment. Sessions include regular breaks, with tea, coffee & cake and plenty of time for conversation and connection; making the experience as social and enriching as it is creative.
Accessibility is central to our work and we continuously strive to remove barriers to participation.
Participants have full agency in how they present themselves. They choose their own costumes and approve their hair and makeup, ensuring they feel comfortable, represented and respected. This inclusive approach supports participants across LGBTQIA+ communities and beyond.
Above all, participants are collaborators. They are an integral part of the team and are treated with equal value and respect throughout the process.
THE EXPERIENCE WE CREATE
Through our work, we aim for participants to:
Build confidence
Develop social connections and skills
Step outside their comfort zones in a supportive environment
“I had forgotten the pleasure of movement and dancing but when Levantes Dance Theatre gave me an opportunity to dance with them I took it. I was hesitant at first and uncertain of what I could contribute but their openness and support gave me freedom to express myself. It’s still possible!”
Community Cast project with The Posh Club, Crawley
WORKSHOPS / MASTERCLASSES
DANCE THEATRE
“It was enlightening and inspirational, enormous fun. Thank you!” participant
A fun and energetic workshop tapping into Levantes's unique quirky and physical movement style. Focusing on lifts, acrobatic ways of supporting and using weight in duets and groups, you will be encouraged to use your creativity and individuality by adding theatrical elements to movement.
Suitable for all ages & levels
Minimum number of participants: 4
SWAY POLE WORKSHOPS
Participants will experience the magical sensation of swaying 4 metres high above the ground. Led by our professional team, this workshop is perfect for anyone with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore this unique aerial art form.
Unleash your creativity and soar with confidence in a supportive and professional environment.
All equipment provided
Ages 18+
Maximum participant weight: 62 kgs (for safety reasons)
No prior sway pole experience required
Participants should have a strong foundation in a movement or strength-based discipline (e.g. dance, acrobatics, aerials, pole, parkour or similar).
Private and group sessions available
DANCING IN THE AIR
“Such a fantastic workshop! Thank you so much.” participant
A mixture of airborne movement & dance.
A fun and energetic workshop tapping into our unique, quirky and physical movement style. Focusing on aerial harness technique, partner counterweighting and aerial hoop technique.
Suitable for all levels & body types
Private & group sessions available
OVER 60’S
“Danced again for the first time in 50 years and it felt so good!” participant
A workshop for over 60's focusing on meeting and greeting new and old friends with lots of tea and cake in a friendly creative environment. In these workshops participants have the opportunity to explore ways of moving together as a group and as couples, concentrating on touch and weight.
Minimum number of participants: 4
“FANTASTIC workshop.
Had an absolute ball!”
We specialise in dance theatre and aerial dance workshops and developing ensemble based work.
We carefully devise projects for people of all ages and abilities and offer a number of ways to learn and get involved, including workshops, masterclasses, residencies and mentoring.
Workshops are available both online and in studio spaces.
If you would like to book a workshop or discuss a bespoke idea, please contact Eleni on eleni@levantesdancetheatre.org
EDUCATION
Levantes Dance Theatre work within education predominantly with university students and emerging professionals from the creative arts. This work is comprised of production commissions, university partnerships for regular degree show preparation and through revisiting venues and development relationships. As a result of this work, Levantes have been able to offer employment to a number of young artists with subsequent productions.
Working within schools with younger students is something Levantes are always keen to do. Their energy, creativity and openness is infectious and it is great to see dance as a popular choice in schools. Exploring movement vocabulary and group dynamics improves communication skills and provides exercise through a creative process.
The aim for Levantes Dance Theatre when working in any education capacity is utilising the participants creativity, avoiding a prescribed style, or teaching excessive repertoire and favouring instead choreographic structure which encourages individual responses to subject matter. The exchange of ideas is valued above a shorter term ambition to produce material.
The workshops are always fun, energetic and colourful, making use of music, props, costume and humour in the process.
The goal of our participation projects is to educate, inform and inspire a new generation of artists to explore their own creative voices.
We carefully devise projects for people of all ages and abilities.
If you would like to book a workshop or discuss a bespoke idea, please contact Eleni on eleni@levantesdancetheatre.org
COMMISSIONS IN EDUCATION
University of Central Lancashire
2017 & 2016
A dance theatre production choreographed by Eleni Edipidi & Ivonne Kalter and devised & performed by the 2nd year Dance students of UCLAN.
EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY
2016
Eleni worked with 3rd year students from Edge Hill University to create ‘Save the Last Dance’ for their final year assessment.
Edge hill university
2015
Eleni Edipidi and Jacob Smart worked with 3rd year students from Edge Hill University to create two productions for their assessments; ‘This Party’ and ‘Flight’.
CHILDREN AWARD/LONDON CONTEMPORARY
2012
‘Duck Man’ was commissioned and produced by Sadler’s Wells, Company of Angels and The Place, Co-commissioned by Dance East, Supported by MOKO DANCE.
EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY
2013
Eleni worked with 3rd year students from Edge Hill University to create work for their final year assessments.
INSTANT ACTS
2012 & 2011
Eleni & Bethanie toured together with 14 wonderfully creative people, with Instant Acts in 2011 & 2012 in Germany and Italy teaching workshops and performing in schools and prisons.
UNIVERSITY OF Salford
2012 & 2011
A dance theatre production choreographed by Eleni and devised & performed by the 2nd year students (Bapdt2)/ University of Salford.
LONDON METropolitan UNIversity
2011
A piece directed by Levantes Dance Theatre and devised/performed by The Physical Theatre Post-Grad students/London Metropolitan University at The Oval House Theatre, London
photo credits 1: Andrew Ness Photography/ 2,3 : Levantes Dance Theatre
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