CriticalDance

[CarolLee]

VOLUNTARY Arts England, the national development agency for arts participation has awarded funds to Leeds based Slanjayvah Danza to stage a series of dance training days. As part of the "Learning Revolution Festival" the training session are aimed at members of the community who might wish to deliver workshop activities to others in the community. Jenni Wren, artistic director of Slanjayvah Danza expanded "I want to provide a range of dance styles as taster sessions demonstrating the range of activities they could become involved in."

In collaboration with SEVEN Artspace in Chapel Allerton, Leeds, these events will be hosted by Wren who said "My long term aim has been to set up a community dance group for the over 30's at SEVEN in Chapel Allerton." She pointed out that many over 30's think they are too old to participate in dance classes although they may have known or learned these skills at a younger age. "Most over 30's opt for yoga and Pilates, which are both great for physical fitness and tone," she said. "However creative dance classes also involve body conditioning, are much more fun and allow the adult to use their imagination to create movement.”

"Following the 'Open Arts' workshops I will gather a group of adults together from the taster sessions to launch the over 30's dance project and with their input turn "The 30+ Project" into something more sustainable." said Wren.

The training days will cover Body conditioning through Dance, Creative dance, Social country dance, Tango, Salsa and Flamenco.