People Dancing

These practices - producing creative experiences for dancers, participants and audiences - have been developed with participants and dancers with moderate access needs including autism and learning disabilities. For audiences, they present work in non-traditional venues with unique ways for them to engage and interact.

In the first half of the workshop you will experience a complete ‘SLiDE session’ led by a team of 'SLiDERS'. Key elements of their participatory practice will be explored, including layering, reflection and the use of music. Working in groups you will then create and test ideas for dance games and tasks.

In the second half, you will be introduced to some of the creative tasks and the movement material from the company’s current performance pieces: Jack & Friends, < Insert Title Here > and Crosswor(l)ds. Key elements of SLiDE’s performance practice include authenticity and the duality of ‘togetherness’ vs. individuality. In other words, how people can experience deep connection with others while also navigating their own autonomy.

By attending this workshop, you will gain new skills and insights to:

• Design creative tasks for mixed ability groups
• Structure improvisation to create a dynamic space for expression and connection
• Use music to support physical exploration
• Creatively engage audiences.

This workshop will support you to deepen your inclusive practice, is suitable for early career practitioners wishing to explore new ideas, and more experienced practitioners wishing to refresh and deepen their approaches to inclusive practice.

About SLiDE Dance / Gemma Coldicott

Gemma is a highly experienced inclusive dance artist, educator, and arts producer with over 15 years of expertise in the field. She is the Artistic Director and Co-Founder of SLiDE, an inclusive dance company that champions accessibility and artistic excellence. Gemma has worked extensively with leading institutions such as the Royal Academy of Dance and Trinity Laban. She has lectured at the University of Brighton, in Practice as Research on the MA Inclusive Arts Practice course, mentoring students in developing and presenting their research projects.

Her practice is deeply rooted in improvisation and collaboration, creating inclusive and dynamic spaces for dancers of all abilities. A key focus of her work is supporting learning-disabled artists through performance and facilitation projects, ensuring meaningful opportunities for artistic expression and career progression.

SLiDE is currently part of the Rural Touring Dance Initiative and is touring Jack & Friends throughout 2025. The piece is inspired by Jack’s love of musicals, pantomimes, and Strictly Come Dancing. Other SLiDE rep includes Crosswor(l)ds, a duet by Aaron who loves style and William who loves puzzles and

Image credit: Gemma Coldicott. Photo: Roswitha Chesher.