Feathers
This project aims to create and advocate for greater social and cultural inclusion for Blind and Visually Impaired artists & communities through dance.
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Feathers is an emotional journey raising awareness of how we connect with our senses, ourselves and others.
It explores sensitively the lived experience of B/VI people and delves into our fears, anxieties and how we can overcome them through connection.
Inclusive Dance Project for
Blind & Visually Impaired people
Unbound Dance Theatre's director and choreographer Sandrine Monin is creating the work with and for B/VI people as co-creators, performers and audience, developing innovative techniques to make dance more accessible, using embedded audio-description and kinesonic technology, Echome.
Trailer of 'Feathers' (Audio described)
“‘The project reminded me of my power and that I can do much more than I thought!"
Seona, B/VI performer, London
“I feel so much better in my physical and mental self.”
Sue, B/VI performer, Leeds
“This [dance workshop] should be prescribed to anyone who gets diagnosed with sight impairment.”
Helen, B/VI performer, Bradford
"I was astonished by the dynamic integration of the sighted and partially-sighted performers, and the level of trust that they afforded each other.Â
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I entered with the expectation that the partially-sighted performers would simply be glorified set, (utilised as a voice but not a body), and was therefore jubilant that they each had their own very defined and clear performative narrative."
Audience member, Leeds
"As the story began to unfold I felt very uncomfortable and quite anxious, it was scary to think that this is the way people with sight loss live and feel every day."
Audience member, Leeds
"It was immediately atmospheric. The lighting, and the lightness of movement at first. It was gripping. The intimacy of the stage was also part of the lure and created a visceral experience.
The sound was entirely unique. At times eerie, scary, wonderful, enchanting. It was genuinely a rollercoaster of emotions watching the show."
Audience member, Leeds
Letters of Support
UNBOUND DANCE THEATRE CIC
Unbound Dance Theatre was founded by choreographer Sandrine Monin, following two-years of research on dance and accessibility for B/VI people. Sandrine strives to choreograph strong physical works that empower and connect people through dance and storytelling. Her aim is to represent all those who are marginalised, sensitively explore human emotions and address wellbeing and mental health, sharing experiences across communities.
Sandrine’s projects, performances and research are grounded in high-quality practice and creative exploration. Identified as a future leader of dance by One Dance UK, Sandrine Monin, has:
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over 15 years’ experience as a professional dancer performing in renowned companies and choreographers: Forsythe, McGregor, C. Bruce, Alston, Staatstheater Munich, Phoenix Dance Theatre
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Received a Best Premiere in the Dance Europe Magazine Critics’ Choice nomination for work ‘Calyx’ (2017), a collaboration with composer R. Rusconi and commissioned by Phoenix Dance Theatre, touring for 2 years across the UK, Germany and China.
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Partook in a new collaboration with Phoenix Dance Theatre and composer Rusconi (2018) to research and develop full-length piece – Kirke. This piece was performed at Dampfzentrale Bern and Phoenix at Home in Leeds.
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Studied on an Open University Business and Finance Fundamentals course and a Fundraising in the Arts course with Leeds University
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Continuously developed her practice & academic achievements through mentoring from One Dance UK, Kerry Nicholls Dance, an MA in Dance Practice from Palucca Schule Dresden (2010) and an MA Choreography from Central School of Ballet (2021)
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Since 2014, created numerous artistic works for dance, screen, youth group and vocational training - Central School of Ballet performed at the Bloomsbury Theatre, London (2019), CAT DanceXchange (2021), Northern Film School (2021)
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Developed her own projects, supported by Arts Council England, ‘The Shopkeeper' (2019), ‘The Keeper’ (2021), 'Feathers' (2022)
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Received DYCP grant (2023)
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Taught for companies: Scottish Dance Theatre, NDCWales, Phoenix Dance Theatre, Studio Wayne McGregor, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures
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Lectured for vocational training: NSCD, Northern Ballet Academy, Elmhurst Ballet School, Central School of Ballet, Centres for Advanced Training
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Founded Unbound Dance Theatre CIC (2023)
Key Project Informations
Starting date: 05 February 2024
End date: 06 September 2024​
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Artistic Director: Sandrine Monin
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Choreographer: Sandrine Monin
​in collaboration with performers: Helen Davies, Sue Whitehouse, Mayowa Ogunnaike, Tammy Tsang & Maddie Irwin
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Creative teams: Roberto D. Rusconi (composer), Andy Craven-Griffith (Creative writer), Lou Cope (Dramaturg), Maria Kapsali (Kinesonic technology), Martin Smith (Lighting Designer & Technician)
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Consultants: Vicky Ackroyd (Access), Paul Dunphy (Voice), Jen Toksvig (Inclusivity), Jenn Wilson (Consent)
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Producer: Joanna Jowett
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B/VI Advocate: Helen Davies
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External Evaluator: Louise McDowall
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Main Partners: Sadler's Wells, One Dance UK, Yorkshire Dance, Kala Sangam Arts Centre, Northern Ballet, Theatre Deli Sheffield, Northern School of Contemporary School, Alhambra Theatre, Royal National Institute for the Blind, BlindAid, Leeds BID Services, Feel Good Factor, Bradford Association for Visually Impaired People, Bradford for the Blind, Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind, Vision Support Harrogate District, University of Leeds PCI (Performance & Cultural Industry), Northern Imposters Productions, Light of Mind
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Additional information:
