You don’t hear about them or from them often enough, but our Youth dancers are out there performing, teaching, creating and just dancing in countless capacities.  Here is the latest from Kimberley Harvey, one of Candoco’s prolific Associate Artists, written just before the culmination of her involvement in the Starting Line project celebrating the founding of the Paralympics at Stoke Mandeville.

So, the Starting Line company are about to come together for our final days of rehearsal before the performance in time for the torch arriving in Aylesbury next Tuesday. Exciting times ahead, that’s for sure!  To be part of this company is quite unique as it encompasses collaboration between many different art forms in order to bring the piece together.

It is a joy to be dancing with my fellow Candoco emerging artists and then, to have the added pleasure and privilege to be performing alongside disabled visual artist, Rachel Gadsden. Rachel’s work is such an inspiration for us a company. The interdisciplinary nature of the piece is vast – from dance and visual art, to sound; film; costume design and spoken word. With so many components (not forgetting the four additional performers in the shape of moveable canvases!), one could be forgiven for assuming that at times it may be a little overwhelming. Of course, there is lots to think about, but the overriding emotions are that of drive and positive anticipation. Although the overall company is quite large, it is a very open and supportive environment and we, as the dancers, are encouraged to really establish our artistic identity within both the process and the work.

I am lucky enough to be performing with some of my Candoco family who I have got to know over the years through dancing in Candoco youth company and through being an Associate Artist for Candoco. I feel that the relationships that build between performers is really integral to the work that is produced. We know that we can both trust and challenge one another and therefore, I’m sure that we will be more than ready for when the Starting Line approaches…

Feeling inspired to work with our Associate Artists?  Candoco run two Youth Dance Groups that meet in Central London Monday or Tuesday evenings during term time.  Or try a free workshop on 30 August at Southbank Centre or 1 September at the National Theatre.  Email Susie at youth@candoco.co.uk for more information on any of our youth programmes.