BLOG

Questions in Motion

Hello and welcome to Questions in Motion — my blog for Curious Motion!

I’m Isla, a Dance Artist at Curious Motion and I also support some of the ‘behind the scenes’ activity. I also work with lots of other organisations in West Yorkshire and beyond, exploring how advocacy, access, and social change intertwine with dance. You can find out more about me here.

Questions in Motion is a space to let curiosity run free — each month I’ll be exploring one question relating to Curious Motion’s work to see what more we can learn and discover. We’ll delve into things like the science, thinking, and learning behind Curious Motion’s practice, how this relates to the wider world, and spotlighting important stories and people. I hope it’ll spark your curiosity too!

Welland: What a day! What happened at the festival?

Our performance company will soon have their debut! What are some of their responses to the creative process?

...we’ve been working together to form ideas into movement, and our movement into a piece… which we’ll be sharing with you all on the 30th October at Welland Festival!

Our Performance Company has launched! What thoughts and reflections are coming up so far?

The creative juices are always flowing here at Curious Motion, but recently it seems we have even more opportunity for sharing, creation and artistry, as we embark on creating our new inclusive performance company for Welland 2024.

What is the link between creativity, happiness and health?

Creative activities can positively influence our mood and mental wellbeing and this can have a direct impact on our health as a whole.

What is the vagus nerve? And how does it help us feel the wellbeing benefits of movement?

This blog often covers topics around the wellbeing benefits of movement and creativity with others, helping to reduce anxiety, depression, and even improve our immune system. Today, join me on a journey into our anatomy and physiology to find out more about why we enjoy such benefits.

What is the social model of disability, and how can it help make dance more accessible?

There are many ways that someone might participate in a dance activity, and it will be different for each person, whether they identify as disabled or not. A little out-of-the-box thinking about how movements can be performed and a welcoming, open space, means that everyone can participate in a way that feels right for them.

What Is Hygge, and How Can It Help Our Wellbeing?

...many of us may experience changes in our mood during the Autumn and Winter seasons, making it more important than ever to take steps to look after our wellbeing. But just what can we do to look after ourselves in these chilly months?

What is co-creation?

Co-creation is a tricky thing to write about because it’s a tricky thing to define. It’s become a bit of a ‘buzzword’ in the arts sector...

What is Welland?

Summertime is performance time for dance groups! It seems like every week I have a different one of my community groups performing.

What is Refugee Week?

May has been a busy month for Curious Motion! As well as providing our regular programme of classes, we’re hard at work making preparations for a very special event.

How can dancing help us socialise?

I recently met an old friend for dinner. She and I did ballet together through our childhoods, and now living in different places, and pursuing different careers, it’s nice to meet, and realise how many things we still have in common.

Is nature accessible to all?

I’m writing this a few days after a snowstorm froze West Yorkshire into a belated winter wonderland.

Can dance improve memory?

There have been multiple studies done on the link between dance and improved brain function.

Why are we dancing in a library?

Stories in Motion was born as a result of funding from Calderdale Council and Calderdale Community Foundation

What’s that lovely trophy on Sam’s mantelpiece?

A vast array of wonderful people and organisations were celebrated, including those that support disabled people, people of colour, mental health, provide green spaces

How do endorphins help treat loneliness?

The classes and events that Curious Motion provide are unquestionably designed to encourage endorphin release in participants’ brains.

Who was Ignatius Sancho?

Sancho wrote that he was born in Africa but was captured and enslaved in Greenwich UK throughout his entire childhood. When he was 20 years old he liberated himself and escaped to Montagu House, Blackheath.

CONTACT US

Resource Centre, Hall Street, Halifax. HX1 5AY

hello@curiousmotion.org.uk

SUPPORT US

Curious Motion is a not for profit organisation that relies on public funding and the support of our community to provide our projects. All of our activities are offered on a free or ‘pay what you can’ basis. Thank you to everyone who supports us.