5, 6, 7, 8… Ready, Set, Go…. We have been awarded $30k to fund a dance theatre project in the community, which is supported by Federal Government’s Regional Arts Fund and Country Arts SA and kindly auspiced by Loxton Rotary. Step by Step Together is a dance theatre project that will be led by Sue-Ellen Shepherdson and Claire Dalzell, who are local creative artists and educators. Sue-Ellen and Claire have a shared passion; to provide quality arts programs and performances while focusing on creating positive wellbeing and opportunities for the youth within their community. The project will explore what dance means to our community members, questioning where, why and how people dance, including how technology impacts people and their relationships. With an in depth look at how dance, in today’s technological age, can be used to create connections and deepen relationships, Sue-Ellen and Claire are eager to reach and include all interested community members, irrespective of age or skill and is free to all participants. With Claire in her final stages of becoming a qualified counsellor, there is confidence to explore the connection between dance and wellbeing as a key component. The team have also engaged with Counsellor and OT Jenni Hampel, associated with the Riverland Community Su***de Prevention Network, who will be providing valuable advice and strategies, to keep participants safe and contribute to positive wellbeing outcomes. Employment opportunities are a direct result of this funding support which will assist in supporting local people and creating opportunity for future arts endeavours, within the community. Loxton Arts on Terrace will be the show case for the final performance in August 2023, using dance apps and other technology to produce a large-scale digital dance theatre production performed in the Lutheran Peace Hall. Mental health concerns for yourself or someone you know, please reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 or chat to a councillor online at https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/ .
