Access

 

 

‘…I just think that people maybe are missing out on something which is very special, that is definitely worth watching, that can be beautiful, interesting, moving or funny… what any good art can be. …So, it’s just about creating and increasing those opportunities and raising the profile.’

Lee Fisher, Director of Freefall Dance Company and Educational Manager of Birmingham Royal Ballet Education Department

 

 

 

Many people working in the Performing Arts recognise the essential contribution those with other abilities make to dance and drama. Disabled performers often bring to the stage a different view of the world, a view that enriches the experience of performance for all artists and audiences. Most vocational schools are in the process of developing an active admissions policy to ensure disabled performers receive training that is suited both to their individual talents and the needs of the industry.

If you have an impairment or health condition and have decided upon the school(s) to which you want to apply, be sure to contact the admissions office to discuss your needs before you fill in an application form - if the school is currently unable to meet your requirements it will save you time and effort. If you telephone the school, ask to speak to someone responsible for access. If you are unsure as to what you might need or how to describe your access requirements, talk it through with someone else first - perhaps a disabled performer or company, CDET, NCDT or SKILL. It is best not to withhold information about your needs as this makes it difficult for schools to offer accurate guidance as to the accessibility of their programmes; it can also make it harder for them to review and develop their current facilities.

If you intend training at a school away from home it is also important to discuss any access needs you might have in relation to domestic accommodation. Clearly it is essential that these and any transportation requirements are considered well in advance - the school may well be in a position to advise.

Your vocational training is a crucial element of your professional development. Know your rights, be clear about your needs and make sure you are in the best position to make the most of it.

For more information about vocational dance courses, refer to our guide to vocational dance courses.

Companies

Your National Dance Agency or Regional Arts Board will have information on integrated workshops and initiatives in your area and there may be a Youth Group you can join. It may be useful to contact a Company which specialises in integrated work or which works with disabled performers.

Disability Arts Organisations

These organisations often work at local or regional level engaging disabled people in arts activity and support disabled artists working across all art forms.

Support

The following organisations provide information and support for both providers and students with special needs.

DCSF (Department for Children, Schools and Families)
DCSF has information on the Dance and Drama Awards, Disabled Students' Allowances as well as information on higher and further education.
W: http://www.dfes.gov.uk

DRC (Disability Rights Commission)
The website is constantly updated with information and legislation on disability.
W: http://www.drc-gb.org

Foundation for Community Dance
The organisation offers support, advice, research and information to the community dance sector.
W: http://www.communitydance.org.uk

Higher Education Funding Council
The Guidance to Base Level Provision for Disabled Students in Higher Education Institutions is available for download via the website.
W: http://www.hefce.ac.uk

LSC (Learning and Skills Council)
The LSC administers the Dance and Drama Awards and has up-to-date information on disability information for students.
W: http://www.lsc.gov.uk

SKILL (National Bureau for Students with Disabilities)
Contains comprehensive information for young people and adults with any kind of disability in post-16 education, training and employment
W: http://www.skill.org.uk

Wheelchair Dance Association
This organisation is dedicated to the promotion of wheelchair dancing.
A: 8 Redward Road, Rownhams, Southampton. SO16 8JE.
T: 02380 362114

Training Organisations

There is increasing number of inclusive courses on offer. These courses range from part time training to BTEC in performing arts and access to degree programmes.

 

Silvia is a student at the CandoCo Dance Company’s Foundation Course. There are six students in the current year, all with different experiences and backgrounds, making the course both interesting and challenging.

Silvia sums up her training experience as follow:

“I have found my identity as a disabled dancer, I have found my way to dance and I have found my style. Most of all, I challenge myself as a choreographer.”

Following her training, Silvia hopes to work in communities and schools. She believes that, in order to have truly integrated dance and society, the presence and influence of disabled dance teachers are very important.

 

Birkbeck College, University of London
Certificated Part-time courses: Foundation, Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Contemporary Dance training, which inspires self-exploration and growth. Birkbeck dance courses are committed to widening participation and creating a culture of integration. Evening and weekend classes are held at Sadlers Wells Theatre and The Place. Both facilities have disabled access. There is no upper age limit.
Tel: 020 7631 6666
Fax: 020 7631 6683
Email: performance@fce.bbk.ac.uk

Dance Initiative Greater Manchester
Zion Arts Centre, Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester M15 5ZA
Tel: 0161 232 7179
Fax: 0161 232 7483
Email: digm@easynet.co.uk

East London Dance
Kiki Gale/Anthony Peppiatt, Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, London E15 1BX
Tel: 020 8279 1050
Fax: 020 8279 1054
Email: email@eastlondondance.org
Website: www.eastlondondance.org

The Hampshire Dance Trust
The Point Arts and Dance Centre, Leigh Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire SO50 9DE
Tel: 02380 652 712
Fax: 02380 652 713

Hereward College
Programmes of study include National Diploma in Performing Arts and GCSE Expressive Arts.
This is a national integrated college for disabled students.
Contact: Admissions, Hereward College, Bramston Crescent, Tile Hill Lane, Coventry. CV4 9SW
Tel: 02476 461 231 (minicom facility available)

Newham VI Form College
This college is committed to ensuring all its programmes of study are integrated. For more information on its performing arts and dance courses contact admissions on:
Tel: 020 7473 4110
Fax: 020 7511 9463