The Dance On initiative on the value of age in dance includes not only the Dance On Ensemble with professional dancers but also an area for interested lay people - Dance On Participation. In workshops, rehearsal visits and introductions to pieces, older people in particular can make their own dance experience. Our own group "Dance On Lab" is a group of mature, non-professional dancers 60+ in Berlin. Working together with Artistic Director Laura Böttinger since 2016, they are part of the Dance On initiative. The participants develop choreographies and organise flash mobs in public spaces.

 

GET OUT OF THE CARE HOME AND INTO THE THEATRE

 

In order to actively involve older people from care homes in cultural life, the team of Dance On Participation tested the new format Raus aus dem Heim, rein ins Theater last year: residents from the Johannastift Spandau and the Schönow care home saw three selected dance pieces in the Radialsystem, the Sophiensäle and at Tanz im August. In preparation, knowledge about dance was taught in workshops, movement approaches were tried out and ideas were exchanged. This was followed by discussions, dancing and an exchange of impressions. The positive response from all those involved, especially the participating residents, encourages us in our desire to establish long-term educational programmes and visibility for this target group.

Artistic direction: Laura Böttinger, Participation programme: Laura Böttinger, Angela Deutsch, Collaboration: Anastasia Luck, Documentation: Phil Dera, Consulting: Prof. Dr. Michael Bossle

Cooperation partners: Tanzscout Berlin, Schönow nursing home, Johannastift Spandau, Fahrservice Schulz

We are delighted to be able to realize this special project with the support of Fahrservice Schulz.

Thanks to Prof Dr Michael Bossle, Andreas Rath and Eva Meyer-Keller.