Carousel and Parable Dance, two Brighton charities working with learning disabled artists, have teamed up to get everybody dancing this Christmas.
People with a learning disability can feel more vulnerable and isolated than others, and with their regular large-scale live Blue Camel Club nights currently on hold, arts producer Carousel wanted to bring the community together for a big party to end the year.
The charity reached out to inclusive dance company Parable Dance to make a series of dance tutorials that everyone can learn at home in the run up to December.
Natasha Britton, Parable Dance’s artistic director, said: “It was wonderful to have the opportunity to work in a space (socially distanced) with our team on such a fun project.
“We’re excited to see what the Blue Camel Club party goers make of our accessible cheesy dance routines!”
Filmed in Brighton’s Unitarian Church, Natasha and associate artist Annie, supported by dancers Joe and Lauren, guide viewers through routines to Mark Ronson’s hook-heavy Uptown Funk, Fatboy Slim’s classic anthem Right Here, Right Now, and the infectious Freed From Desire by Gala.
“The filming day in Brighton was well organized for safety, and I really enjoyed doing the routines. I was so happy to be able to dance with others and everyone made it such fun,” said Lauren.
Carousel will be releasing the 10-minute dance routines weekly from Monday, November 2 on Zoom, with links via their Facebook page and website. The idea is that everyone gets to know the moves ready for the big party when they can dance together with friends online.
The Blue Camel Club online dance party, which brings back some of the routines together with live DJ sets offers two hours of non-stop music, disco lights, competitions and fun runs from 7-9pm on Monday, December 14 on Zoom.
It’s a big night for DJ Kez: “I’ve not had a gig since February and been missing DJing so much! I can’t wait to be able to DJ live for all the Blue Camel Club again, it’s going to be amazing!”