Rise & Shine

Northern Ballet’s inclusive dance project.

Rise & Shine was a pilot project to develop inclusive dance in three schools in Yorkshire. Beginning in September 2023, weekly sessions encouraged and supported children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to progress their movement skills and creativity, with a focus on self-expression.

Led by Northern Ballet Community Dance Artists alongside artists with lived experience of disability, and specialist Music Therapists, the project culminated each year with the opportunity for the children to perform as part of Expressions, Northern Ballet’s annual inclusive dance festival - the only event of its kind in Leeds.

We worked with Dr Louise McDowall who conducted research alongside the project, allowing us to understand and demonstrate the impact for participants and school staff.