Our City Dances Commission: Our Little Blue Dot
Our City Dances 2023 will be taking place on Saturday 1 July, with a theme exploring how we can better look after ourselves, each other and the planet.
We have awarded the Our City Dances Commission to Dot Dot Dance, a company Co-Directed by dance artist Amy Toner, who has led creative movement classes for us for many years.
Thanks to support from The Chalk Cliff Trust, Amy and Dot Dot Dance Co-Director Jonathan Mewett unveil their latest project Our Little Blue Dot.
Amy tells us more below...
Tell us about Dot Dot Dance and what you do
Hello! We are Dot Dot Dance; a dance company that is passionate about bringing children and families together through dance. We create playful, interactive and engaging participatory experiences for all, holding participants at the heart of what we do. We are passionate about empowering people through the transformative power of the arts and driven by our ethos of Collaborate, Create and Connect the Dots.
Dot Dot Dance is made up of Amy Toner and Jonathan Mewett. Amy is an experienced Dance Artist and Educator. She specialises in Early Years Dance and she is passionate about facilitating a space for children to be their authentic and expressive self. Jonathan is a Dance Artist who shares a passion for teaching and facilitation and is experienced in creating, devising performing and producing work with, and for, all ages.
What is Our Little Blue Dot about?
Our Little Blue Dot is a participatory workshop project that will culminate in a documentary film as part of Our City Dances. Reminding us of the important role we play in looking after the planet, Our Little Blue Dot offers a series of workshops for early years and their grown-ups. Together, participants will explore imaginative movement, eco-friendly prop work and outdoor play; connecting with the natural world around us.
What made you interested in making this particular piece as the Our City Dances commission?
At Dot Dot Dance, we are passionate about producing quality experiences that are child-led, inspire creativity, inclusive and promote green-living. The idea of Our Little Blue Dot grew from our keen interest in using dance as a vehicle to engage all ages and deepen understanding, awareness and appreciation of nature.
What have you enjoyed most about working with children in the local community so far?
It has been a real joy and privilege to meet and dance with the local community. We have most enjoyed seeing the children’s (and grown-ups!) boundless imagination, creativity and learning.
What activity with Dot Dot Dance will be available for audiences when they attend Our City Dances on 1 July?
On the 1st of July, we will be offering two free outdoor workshops for early years and their grown-ups. You can expect movement games, eco-friendly props and outdoor play. Join us as we wriggle, spin, jump and take inspiration from the natural world around us.
The documentary film will also be available to view, alongside artwork created by participants during the project.
What can we expect from the final film?
Part dance and part documentary, the film will give an insight into the workshops of Our Little Blue Dot. From planting, to dancing, to making and to discussing, the film will share the participants’ experiences and explorations of nature.
Do you have any plans for Our Little Blue Dot beyond Our City Dances?
Absolutely! We will continue to engage with local communities, delivering nature-based dance experiences for early years and families.
As a company, we’ll continue to operate sustainably, while looking for ways to further improve our green-working approach.
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