TYPE OF WORK
Participatory dance theatre, inter-cultural dance development, dance for learning disabled, physically disabled and integrated companies/groups

TARGET GROUPS
Cultural exchange; inclusion and access for vulnerable groups, creative/choreographic development, education projects; dance for young people.

GEOGRAPHICAL CONTEXT
UK, East Asia Pacific

COMPANY POLICY
To use dance as a powerful tool for communication, embracing diversity. Participation is irrespective of previous dance experience or type of physicality and process is of primary importance.

The approach is based in western contemporary dance with influences from such forms as contact improvisation and Butoh. Conflict, trust, diversity, history, identity, celebration of achievement, acceptance and change are common themes. Projects unleash powerful imagery amongst participants and to wider audiences, thereby engendering change. ACD training is an integral part of projects where appropriate.

SCALE OF PROJECTS
Number of practitioners: 1-5
Number of participants: 6-100
Preparation time: 3 months - 2 years
Contact time: 2 weeks - 1 month+

Anjali Dance Company (UK, ongoing)
Claire Russ has championed Anjali Dance Company, Britain's first professional learning-disabled touring dance company, created a high-impact dance video with women who are the victims of domestic violence, toured to China with an integrated disabled and non-disabled group of students, and choreographed 100 participants aged eight to 80, in a large-scale community play.

Disability awareness project (UK, 2002)
In July 2002, a school residency led to a performance by 40 physically disabled students and 10 students in Further Education (FE). The FE students underwent training sessions and took creative leadership roles. The project raised awareness of disability in mainstream college life, encouraged integration and friendship between students and contributed to the training of young arts practitioners.

Partners: National Lottery, Arts Council England, St Giles School, Brit School.

Accidental Damage (UK, 1999)
Claire Russ worked with female victims of domestic violence. The project was created for films and aimed to offer a creative outlet for women, increase awareness and funding, and save a network of refuges under threat. The projects was successful in these outcomes.

Partners: Stafforshire County Council, West Midlands Arts.

Student ambassadorial tour (UK/China, 1990)
An ambassadorial tour to China with 10 students from schools in Coventry, England, including Roy, a 15 year-old boy with a learning disability. The project, funded by Coventry City Council, led to a delegation to Jinan, China to assist with developing policies on disability.

Completion of a new work using digital technology with Anjali Dance Company. (UK tour, 2003)

Choreography for the opening of a new Alsop Architects building for Queen Mary's Medical and Dental Hospital. Issues: community inclusion and urban development. (UK, to be confirmed).