Linked.dance is the name of a website designed specifically to connect more disabled children and young people to dance opportunities in south east London. It has been developed by the Linked partnership of Candoco Dance Company, Greenwich Dance, Magpie Dance and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, and was launched earlier this year at the Co Motion inclusive dance platform at the Laban Theatre.
Aiming to raise aspirations and ensure young people and children with disabilities have access to dance, the website provides information on classes, events and workshops offered by the four Linked organisations, alongside visual guides to some venues, and video interviews with parents and carers and dance artists about inclusive dance. The website further aims to help break down the barriers associated with joining a dance class for the first time, by sharing information about the range of dance activities on offer.
Linked is a collaboration between the four dance organisations to enable disabled children, young people and their families in south east London to further enjoy dance. The website has been designed in consultation with the parents and carers of disabled children and young people, and aims to provide the information parents and carers need in an accessible way, enhancing their engagement with and enjoyment of dance.
The website also includes a small number of resources for dance practitioners who are working with disabled children and young people, or who are interested in this work. The aim is to grow this over time as resources permit, and provide even more new, exciting, high quality opportunities through joint projects and activities to demystify dance and promote the benefits of dance. It will draw on the joint expertise of the four organisations to develop the knowledge and skills of practitioners. It will also provide social opportunities for participants and parents/carers, and an opportunity to visit new venues and locations.