The Horizons Inverness dance group has a fresh spring in its step after receiving new funding
An inclusive dance group for disabled and non-disabled young dancers will continue into 2025 thanks to new funding.
The Witherby Publishing Group Charitable Trust and the Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing have stepped up to save The Horizons Inverness project delivered by Eden Court Highlands.
Parents of participants have welcomed the news, with one saying: “For those that have additional support needs, there isn’t that much choice out there so to find something that works and provides such joy to young people is just amazing”.
Those taking part in the Horizons Inverness project develop their dance technique and skills, as well as building transferable skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity and self expression.
The project is to build confidence through achievement but the real emphasis is on participants having fun and making new friendships.
As well as the regular monthly sessions, the funding will enable participants to work towards a Dynamic Youth Award during the “summer intensive”, which takes place from 15 - 19 July at Eden Court.
They will also attend the Gathered Together festival led by Indepen-dance in Glasgow in September and perform in Elevate 2024 in November, the platform celebrating dance in the Highlands. This will hugely expand participants’ experience of dance and performing, and enable them to connect with other young dancers from across Scotland.
This year, Horizons has been funded by Youth Arts Open Fund which enabled the Expanding Horizons Festival in May, bringing together more than 40 young people across groups from Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness, to take part in workshops and perform a flashmob outside Eden Court.
Louise Marshall, producer for Dance & Accessible Arts, Eden Court Highlands, said: “We have built up a great community of young dancers who have become confident to explore their creativity through movement. We’re really excited to attend the event in Glasgow to see similar groups perform. This will be fantastic preparation in advance of the group’s performance in Elevate in November. I’m sure we’ll have loads of fun!”