On Wednesday 6th April, 12 primary school students from across Clackmannanshire and Stirling came together for a one-day workshop called See Me, presented by FIDA in partnership with Scottish Ballet and generously hosted by Alva Academy.
The morning session involved developing short routines in different dance styles inspired by fascinating case studies from around the world, such as a project in Guatemala to enable girls to get to school and access an education by providing them with a bicycle. These were genuine stories brought together by FIDA in collaboration with expert partners working globally on programmes that promote equality, including the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh. The dance session was led by talented choreographer Sarah Stenhouse, who is now based in London but grew up in Alloa.
In the afternoon, Scottish Ballet delivered a fun dance workshop as part of their national Safe To Be Me TM programme, exploring themes of gender identity, acceptance and respect. This was hosted by two of Scotland’s leading dance practitioners, Taylor Han and Hayley Earlam, who have worked with primary school children across Scotland, and led the session with energy, passion, insight and care. Pupils came from Tillicoultry, Coalsnaughton, Menstrie, Muckhart and Dunblane Primary Schools as well as Dollar Academy Junior School, and the result was a wonderful blend of fun, laughter, dance and thought-provoking conversation.
