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Freedom: Opening up dance expression for disabled artists

11 February 2022

Lisa Simpson holds a unique position in dance. She trains, mentor and supports others using a revolutionary technique that enables people of all abilities to choreograph their own work. Freedom is a short film for Dance Passion 2022.

Freedom

A unique and distinctive form of choreography opens up possibilities for disabled artists.

Lisa Simpson holds a unique position in dance. She trains, mentor and supports others by using a revolutionary technique known as The Simpson Board. This is a tool that enables people of all abilities to choreograph their own work.

This tool enables people of all abilities to choreograph their own work.

Lisa also has Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy and no verbal communication. She communicates the freedom she feels through choreography, as she portrays movements she is unable to make with her own body. The technique enables Lisa to work as a professional artist, and this film is intended to inspire others with possibilities, and to break down barriers for disabled artists.

Lisa’s form of choreography is completely unique and distinctive in the dance world. The past year has been difficult for many, affecting mental health and wellbeing, with disabled individuals among the most impacted. This film aims to highlight individual capabilities, despite barriers or perceived limitations, and to open up conversations.

Part of Dance Passion, a celebration of dance on the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ during February and March 2022.

Innovation in dance

What is Dance Passion?

This is one of fourteen short films and interactive projects that explore innovative ways of capturing and experiencing dance, as part of Dance Passion - a landmark celebration of the world-class dance throughout February and March 2022. Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Arts, in partnership with One Dance UK and supported by the Arts Council, bring you unique perspectives on the creative forces in dance, and spotlight innovation in choreography and performance.

Rambert performing in Plymouth for Dance Passion

Highlights include:-

  • Josie d’Arby and Karim Zeroual present five hour-long programmes of dance as a boxset on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ iPlayer, and a special highlights programme on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Four;
  • Performances by thirty-two companies, recorded in ‘dance hubs’ across the country;
  • Exclusive first screening of excerpts from Carlos Acosta’s Don Quixote from Birmingham Royal Ballet;
  • World premiere of Corey Baker's thrilling new film, Dance Race;
  • Fourteen short films and interactive projects exploring innovative ways to experience dance.

Dance Passion on iPlayer

  • Highlights

    Josie d’Arby and Karim Zeroual with selected highlights from Dance Passion, including Birmingham Royal Ballet's Don Quixote.

  • Leeds

    Karim Zeroual presents from the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds, featuring Akram Khan, Vale School of Dance, Balbir Singh Dance Company, Phoenix Dance and more.

  • London

    Josie d’Arby presents Dance Passion 2022 from Sadler’s Wells in London, with exclusive performances from Ballet Black, Patience J Collective, The Royal Ballet and more.

  • Coventry

    Josie d’Arby and Karim Zeroual shine a spotlight on dance in the Midlands, brought to you from Warwick Arts Centre in Coventry,

  • Plymouth

    Josie d’Arby visits the Theatre Royal Plymouth’s production and learning centre TR2 to shine a spotlight on the UK dance scene, with a focus on what’s on offer in the South West.

  • Around the UK

    Includes National Dance Company Wales, and Scottish Ballet's Starstruck. Presented by Josie d’Arby & Karim Zeroual. Available 29 March on iPlayer.

Exclusive world premiere from Corey Baker

  • Dance Race

    From ballet to ballroom, sky-diving to car-eography, it’s a thrilling race to the finish in Corey Baker's stunning new film showing exclusively on Dance Passion.

Dance Passion 2022: Short films displaying innovation in dance