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BACKGROUND
Anjali, whose name means 'joining of hands', began life informally in January 1993 at The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury, Oxfordshire, as a follow-up to
a series of integrated contemporary dance workshops (i.e. for people both
with and without learning disabilities). These were conducted by performance
arts tutor Nicole Thomson. Despite the success of this approach Nicole
recognised a unique and powerful quality that could emerge from a discrete
group of people with learning disabilities. This group became Anjali.
The company went on to create highly original dance works developing a
strong aesthetic style which embraces the unique and engaging quality
of the dancers.
In 1998 Anjali was awarded £94,000 from The National Lottery Funded Arts For Everyone (A4E) Main Scheme through the Arts Council of England. This enabled the company to commence an ambitious three-year training and touring programme called Moving On Up. During this programme the company conducted its first tour Moving Ideas comprising works by Claire Russ and Anjali Dance Company. In August 2000 the Company was commissioned by the Royal Festival Hall to create a new work which was premiered as part of the Blazing Dance Festival 2000. As part of this Festival Anjali hosted a national debate with professionals in the field of disability arts, funders and critics around the title Beyond a Sympathetic Response. The Company were subsequently invited to perform at the Royal Opera House with dancers from the Royal Ballet. Responses to Anjali's work to date have been unequivocally positive. (This included a four star review in The Guardian.) Anjali offers a vibrant
context for choreographic process, performance, ongoing professional dance
training and artistic debate and exchange. Anjali's dancers are central
to the choreographic process and are encouraged to achieve technically
as well as creatively. Works by well-known choreographers and in-house
pieces are presented with high production values. Most works have a strong
collaborative element with one or more other art forms. The company's
work is known for its power and technical achievement. By devising and
touring dance work of the highest standard, the company demonstrates a
disarming and engaging aesthetic that brings a new edge to contemporary
dance.
Anjali Dance company is one of the first of its kind in the world. It has inspired and often astonished audiences nationwide. Mark Barber
Hannah Dempsey
Nick McKerrow
Alex Hyde
Daisey Garrett
The Education Team Page contains biographical information on members of Anjali's Education Team. Artistic Director:
Nicole
Thomson Photos (this page): Chris Nash |
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