A NATIONAL ballet company is calling for people with dementia, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s to submit videos for the chance to feature in new dance productions.
Scottish Ballet is asking people worldwide to send a 20-second clip, with the footage to be used in three new dance films as part of the multi-artform project Haud Close.
Inspired by the ballet company’s film Haud Close Tae Me, created by filmmaker Eve McConnachie in 2017 and featuring poetry from Scots Makar Jackie Kay, the project will involve working remotely with care home residents and people living with the above conditions to create the films.
The Scottish Ballet health team has also launched a new series of online movement classes for people living with dementia, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s which start next month via Zoom.
Also planned is a pilot scheme in Erskine Home in Bishopton, Renfrewshire, which cares for veterans, offering small-scale digital movement sessions aimed at boosting physical and emotional health and wellbeing, particularly for those thought to be isolated and vulnerable.
Catherine Cassidy, Scottish Ballet director of engagement, said: “Engagement work is vital in making a difference to communities, and we will continue to produce work that helps support people’s physical and mental wellbeing.
“We are proud of the work that we are offering to people across all areas of society, and will continue to use dance and movement as a connector to improve people’s health, and inspire creativity.”
The deadline for submissions is February 22.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here