DanceMakers - Independent Arts

DanceMakers Evaluation Report July 2013

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DanceMakers

Evaluation Report

July 2013


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Contents

Section 1: Executive Summary 3 1.1 Project Overview 3

Section 2: Project Development and Delivery 3 2.1 Project Summary 3 2.2 Project Timeline 3 2.3 Participant Recruitment 3 2.4 Volunteer Recruitment 4 2.5 Project Delivery 4

Section 3: Evaluation Methodology 5 3.1 Intended Outputs and Outcomes 5

Section 4: Findings 6 4.1 Quantitive Data 6 4.2 Qualitative Data 6 4.3 Overview of Project Findings 8

Section 5: Recommendations for Future Delivery 9 5.1 Challenges in Session Delivery 9 5.2 Challenges in Project Sustainability 9

Section 6: Appendices 10 6.1 DanceMakers Scheme of Work 10 6.2 Mid-course Evaluation Form 15 6.3 Letter from DanceMakers participant 16 6.4 Poem written about DanceMakers by two participants 17 6.5 Photographs of DanceMakers sessions 18


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Section 1: Executive Summary 1.1 Project Overview In late 2012, Independent Arts was approached by dance practitioner Michelle Hainsworth to establish a community dance project for older people on the Isle of Wight. Michelle had experience of working on similar projects in Hampshire, and recognised that there were no such opportunities for the over 50’s on the island. DanceMakers was established as a 16 week creative dance course, which would be delivered weekly in Newport and Freshwater.

Section 2: Project Development and Delivery 2.1 Project Summary DanceMakers has now been delivered for 16 weeks in Newport and Freshwater, with a total of 32 sessions being delivered. The response from participants has been incredibly positive, and Independent Arts is now seeking further funding to increase the life of the project. 2.2 Project Timeline The sessions began in April 2012 and were delivered until the end of July 2012. Each session consisted of one hour of dancing, and 30 minutes for social interaction and evaluation. 2.3 Participant Recruitment As this was a new type of project for Independent Arts, the decision was taken to promote the class as ‘exercise-based.’ Our experience with developing the SingAbout project within the community informed us that encouraging older people to engage with regular activities can be challenging. Therefore the concept of creative dance sessions may dissuade people from attending, whereas exercise was a clearer message. Independent Arts promoted DanceMakers through its existing community-based sessions, and through local media. There are four established SingAbout (singing for wellbeing) groups delivered by Independent Arts weekly with a similar target audience as DanceMakers, so it was logical to promote the new project to existing attendees of SingAbout. Participants were told about DanceMakers and given flyers at all four groups. In addition to this, Michelle delivered taster sessions of creative dance at the Newport and Freshwater, so SingAbout participants were able to experience DanceMakers to see if it was something they would enjoy. A press release launching the project was written and sent to the Isle of Wight County Press, On the Wight and The Beacon. All these media sources ran a story about the project in April 2013. The project was also promoted on the Independent Arts website (http://independentarts.org.uk/dancemakers), in both the spring and summer editions of the Independent Arts Newsletter and via our Twitter account. In particular, the response to

http://independentarts.org.uk/dancemakers


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the article in the Isle of Wight County Press generated a lot of interest, with approximately 20 telephone enquiries being made prior to the sessions starting. 2.4 Volunteer Recruitment It was clear from the outset that DanceMakers would need to be supported by volunteers. The SingAbout sessions used a structure where the session leader was supported by volunteers who encouraged participation, engaged socially with participants during breaks and gave practical support in preparing refreshments and setting up equipment. It was logical to use the same structure for DanceMakers. The volunteering opportunity was posted with the Volunteer Centre managed by Community Action IW, who also advertised the role on www.do-it.org. However, it was not necessary to recruit new volunteers for DanceMakers, as existing SingAbout volunteers at Newport and Freshwater were keen to offer their support with the new project sessions. 2.5 Project Delivery The initial sessions of the project were delivered as ‘tasters,’ with participants informed that they didn’t need to commit to the course, but rather see if it was something they would enjoy. Once both groups had committed themselves to the classes, Michelle then created a scheme of work (appendix 6.1). Michelle had previously delivered dance in schools to GCSE level, and adapted some of this work for a new audience. Each class began with seated exercises, and then for those who felt able the warm up could be completed standing, using the chair for support if necessary. A seated version of the standing exercise was always offered, and Michelle utilised a volunteer within the group to demonstrate this version. The second half of each class was choreography, which would be based on an idea or theme. Participants would discuss the topic, and then tasks would be set for participants to complete in pairs or small groups. Participants always had the option of working from a seated position if preferred.

http://www.do-it.org/


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Section 3: Evaluation Methodology 3.1 Intended Outputs and Outcomes Within the DanceMakers project, there are four over-riding aims:

1. Improve participants’ physical and mental capabilities and expression

2. Reduce the effects of isolation and loneliness 3. Increase self-esteem 4. Develop creativity by engaging people in arts practice

From these aims, the intended qualitative outcomes for the project were established, as follows:

Bring together people over 50, their carers, family members and volunteers from all backgrounds, cultures and income groups

Encourage participants to take ownership of the creative work they produce which will lead to personal development

Participants, whether chair dancers or able-bodied dancers, will learn a series of movements which will stretch their bodies and increase mobility

Participants will have access to a range of different stimuli such as poems, paintings, themes, pieces of music etc., to encourage discussion and promote expression, both orally and physically

Participants will develop friendships, promoting social wellbeing Once the aims and outcomes were established, the ways in which we capture the data was established. The project was evaluated in the following ways:

Informal notes made by Michelle following each lesson noting participant progression

Mid-course Questionnaire (Appendix 6.2)

A film was made in week 10 documenting a short dance on the theme ‘Grandparents’

Participants were given the Adult Community Learning Service Feedback and Evaluation Form in week 15

In week 16 all participants were involved in discussions at the end of the session evaluating their experiences of DanceMakers


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Section 4: Findings 4.1 Quantitive Data 16 sessions were held at Newport and Freshwater, respectively. This gives a total of 32 sessions delivered overall.

Venue No. of participants who enrolled

No. of participants at end of course

Retention % Average no. of attendees over 16 weeks (mean)

Newport 21 18 85% 14

Freshwater 17 14 83% 10 The youngest participants who attended was a 54 year old wheelchair user, and the eldest was a relatively able-bodied 87 year old. 4.2 Qualitative Data Aim 1: Improve participants’ physical and mental capabilities and expression At the outset of the project, 16% of participants reported having joint or bone problems including osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. One participant had undergone a hip replacement and both knee joints had been replaced also. At the outset of the project, 41% of participants reported having a heart condition. One participant had undergone a triple heart bypass some years ago, and had more recently started to feel unwell again. At the outset of the project, there were some very nervous and frail participants. In the mid-term evaluation, 100% of participants reported that DanceMakers stretched their minds as well as their bodies; and 100% of participants reported that they felt healthier either physically or mentally. As the project progressed, Michelle observed that participants were pushing themselves further. Examples of this include choosing to choreograph from a standing position; trying to stretch out further with their arms; following their arms with their head and their eyes to bring quality to a particular dance movement; and experimenting in duets with leans and balances that wouldn’t have been attempted at the outset of the course. Verbal feedback from participants included:

- “I am more conscious of my posture.” - “My balance is better and my co-ordination has improved.” - “It’s been really testing my memory.” - “I feel more supple.”

Aim 2: Reduce the effects of isolation and loneliness In the Adult Community Learning Service Feedback and Evaluation Form, 81% of participants stated that they had met new people through the sessions. Each week, participants were separated into different groups so that they were able to work and engage with people that they didn’t know very well.


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During the social 30 minutes at the end of each session, there was opportunity for discussion and Michelle observed new friendships being made. Participants shared information about themselves, talking about other groups and clubs they were involved with, and encouraged each other to attend. In one instance, one participant took another along to her choir group. Trust was built up within the group, and this was demonstrated through supporting each other’s weight whilst undertaking specific movement. One participant wrote a letter about their experiences with DanceMakers and passed to Michelle at the last session (Appendix 6.3) Verbal feedback from participants included:

- “It’s been great to work as part of a team – I’ve missed that!”

Aim 3: Increase self-esteem In the Adult Community Learning Service Feedback and Evaluation Form, 85% of participants stated that they had increased motivation and enthusiasm; and 73% of participants stated that they had increased general confidence. One participant who had been very ill following a triple heart bypass stated that DanceMakers had given her the confidence to do things she never thought she could do. Verbal feedback from participants included:

- “It’s very satisfying when you get it right.” - “I’ve had two nasty falls and in town I have to walk with a trolley to feel stable. Here

I’ve been given the confidence to dance again!" - “This has definitely made me more confident, even my wife has noticed. Because I’ve

been ill so much I’d lost all my confidence and hadn’t liked to get involved in conversations with people. If the neighbours came out in the garden, I’d go inside. Now I stay out and we chat.” (This participant had suffered a stroke and several heart attacks in recent years).

Aim 4: Develop creativity by engaging people in arts practice Participants seemed less vocal about the acquisition of creative skills as a result of the course, and perhaps weren’t able to assess whether they had developed new skills. Through observation, it was clear to see that as DanceMakers was not about participants learning a series of steps, but rather interpreting themes and instructions, and therefore all work produced came from them, thus developing creativity. One participant who experienced co-ordination and memory problems due to a brain condition, has now signed up to a beginners course in playing the ukulele. Two participants wrote a poem about DanceMakers and passed to Michelle on the last session (Appendix 6.4). Verbal feedback from participants included:

- “It’s worked my imagination – I’m thinking out of the box.” - “I’ve learnt to put dances together.” - “I’ve learnt to appreciate music.” - “I’ve found it spiritual… It’s been lovely to express myself and not have to do what

everyone else is doing.”


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4.3 Overview of Project Findings From the completed evaluation forms, discussions and lesson observations, it can be concluded that all four aims were met. The course was ultimately about encouraging participants to do the best that they could do without judgement, and because their contributions were valued, the groups felt more confident to experiment further and push themselves physically and mentally. The course also created a platform for people to meet new people, develop friendships and engage with each other in a social capacity. The dance and choreography was delivered in a non-threatening manner and was varied, so that participants with limited mobility could join in. Photographs were taken during the sessions (Appendix 6.5).


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Section 5: Recommendations for Future Delivery 5.1 Challenges in Session Delivery We recognise the general challenges of delivering activity to older people, such as participants missing sessions due to illness and medical appointments. People also missed sessions because they had plans for the weekend, and going forward delivering the project on an alternative weekday may prove more beneficial. There is also a deeper issue of transport infrastructure, as many participants rely on public transport. This means that there are perhaps some older people based in more rural areas of the community that would like to engage with DanceMakers but are unable to get to the sessions. This is an issue that Independent Arts has experienced with other project work including SingAbout, and is something we are hoping to address in the near future. 5.2 Challenges in Project Sustainability The main challenge for sustainability into the future is project funding. Independent Arts has already made applications for future project funding from the IWC Adult Community Learning Fund; Comic Relief; The Ashworth Charitable Trust; and Robert McAlpine Trust. There has been some discussion about participants paying a nominal fee to attend the sessions. However, the ethos behind the work of Independent Arts is providing activity which is accessible to all, and this is something we are reluctant to do as we feel that DanceMakers should not have a cost attached to it.


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Section 6: Appendices 6.1 DanceMakers Scheme of Work

Week ONE Topic and aims

Session outline including teaching methods

Checking of learning Resources

Topic –Taster Aims – intro to course and me -to understand the importance of warming up and stretching -to feel comfortable with the people in the group -to have fun

Warm up - introduction around the group - balloon name game - warm up in chairs - stretching in chairs or from standing (go down the body) -kicking and swaying with stretchy Creative tasks -moving a feather around the circle -individually explore what movements can be done with a feather -in twos improvise with the feathers Plenary -cool down – ports de bras -recap what has been achieved Refreshments

Through observation and verbal feedback

MP3 player and docker (Dancemakers music Folder 1) balloon stretchy feathers

Week TWO Topic and aims



Topic: Taster, What is a motif? Aims: to feel comfortable with the people in the group -to have fun -To understand the term motif and create one in groups of approx. 4 or 5 -To develop the motif using variation of space and timing

Warm up -balloon name game -warm up in chairs but progress to standing for those who are able -kicking and swaying -stretching in chairs/standing Creative tasks - pass the move (with a paper plate) around the circle -in 4s create a 16 count motif based on 4 or 5 moves and decide on positioning of group – everyone to be involved in the decision making -develop the motif by considering varying use of space/positioning – encourage everyone to listen to each other’s viewpoints -develop the timing Plenary - perform to rest of class and evaluate effectiveness -cool down – ports de bras Refreshments

Through observation of individual and group work Q & A Evaluative discussion

MP3 player and docker (Dancemakers music folder 1) Balloon Stretchy Paper plates


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From here on, the generic aims for all lessons will be: - Have fun - Do some exercise that will increase the heart rate and workout all the muscles and joints - Speak and work with people they don’t know so well

The warm up will include seated and standing exercises including rhythmical exercises to increase the heart rate, stretches (including some yoga), knee bends, feet and ankle work similar to basic ballet and contemporary warm ups. Each part of the body will be warmed up – joints and muscles.

Week THREE Topic and aims



Topic: How to develop motifs Aims -To recap the term motif and create one in groups of approx 4 or 5 -To develop the motif using variation of space, timing and levels.

Warm up Creative work -In circle, (standing) say your name and give it a move. All repeat what you do, until the whole circle has a move -In groups of 4 or 5 put your movements together to create a motif -Develop the motif changing space, timing and levels Plenary -Watch groups and evaluate how effective the pieces are. Point out the importance of performing skills such as focusing out, not fidgeting, covering when you go wrong. Discuss how motifs can be developed to make interesting pieces of dance Cool down- ports de bras Refreshments

Observation QandA Evaluative discussions

MP3 player and docking system DanceMakers 3 music folder

Week Four Topic and aims



Topic: moving sculptures Aims: - to feel more confident with touching others -to consider how dance can be made through a series of shapes

Warm up Creative Tasks: -one person to make a shape. Another to join that person and make another shape which must touch the first person in some way. Continue with half group. -repeat with second group -repeat exercise but one shape must move into another big group shape. How will they move from one shape to another? Experiment with transitions. -add music – how does this influence the way you move? Plenary: -discuss the effect of the music and how shapes with transitions are a simple way of creating dance.

Through observation of individual and group work QandA Evaluative discussion

MP3 DanceMakers 4


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Week Five Topic and aims



Topic: focus and moving as one Aims -to feel confident mirroring and copying

Warm up Creative Task -Demonstrate with volunteer and then get participants mirroring in pairs. - Using the same principle ie trying not to show who is leading, join with another pair and stand in a diamond formation. One person leads from front and then each of the group take it in turns to lead. Transitions should be seamless. Plenary -each group performs and others observe and verbally evaluate.


MP3 DanceMakers 5

Week 6 Topic and aims



Topic: Spring Aims: to use a theme to stimulate discussion and then motifs

Warm up Creative Tasks: -as a group brainstorm and write down words associated with spring. -seated, go around the group and everyone contributes a move inspired by a word written down and others copy. -in 2s create a motif based on the words GROW, BLOSSOM -in 2s find 4 ways of trying to separate from your partner (to show birth) Plenary: Perform duets. Audience to evaluate effectiveness of pieces.


MP3 DanceMakers 6 Large paper Pens




Topic: Spring (rivers) Aims: Learn a simple sequence based on ebb and flow and ripple Create own motif based on given words Put all groups together to create whole group dance

Warm up Creative tasks: Learn a simple motif taught by teacher inspired by rivers (whole group) In groups use the words RIPPLE, WINDING, MEETING AND PARTING Plenary: put whole dance together and discuss what they have learnt about choreographing a whole group piece.


MP3 DanceMakers 7


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Topic: Flight Aims: to use words and music to inspire dance To create a motif and then develop it changing direction and relationship(patterns)

Warm up Creative tasks: - Brainstorm as a group, words to do with Flight. -In a circle, standing, listen to music and use the words to create a move. Others copy. -In 4s teach each other your moves and put together a motif. -change the directions and relationships of the motif Plenary: perform in front of one another and discuss effectiveness of dances.


MP3 DanceMakers 8 Paper Pens




Topic: Kadinsky painting Aims: to use an abstract painting as stimulus for motifs and a dance

Warm up Creative Tasks: -Teacher gives context of Kadinsky painting. -Sat in circle, participants say what they see in the picture -Standing in circle, each participant creates a move to represent what they have seen. Others copy. -In groups of 4 or 5, teach each other the motifs, join them together and create a dance. Plenary: Perform to one another and evaluate effectiveness of the piece and discuss the idea of ‘abstracting’.

Through observation of individual and group work Q & A Evaluative discussion

MP3 DanceMakers 9 Kadinsky painting




Topic: South Asian Dance Aims: - to have an understanding of the context of south Asian dance. -to learn some hand gestures used in this style -to use photographs of south Asian dancing as stimulus for a dance

Warm up – based on South Asian hand gestures and poses Creative tasks: -Discuss the context of South Asian Dance - examine photographs and try out some of the poses - in groups of 4 or 5, create a piece in the style of Asian dance. Plenary: Perform and evaluate


MP3 DanceMakers 10 Photographs of south Asian hand gestures and dance poses


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Weeks 11 and 12 Topic and aims



Topic: The role of grandparents Aim: to use the role as a basis for a group dance

Warm up Creative tasks: -discuss the role of grandparents -write down words that summarise what they do -take the word SUPPORT. In 2s, find four ways of leaning or balancing on each other to show one person supporting another. -share/evaluate -as a group, use the words PLAY, GUIDE, CARE – how can these be translated into movement? -experiment and create dance. Plenary: -film and show -evaluate the work produced


DanceMakers 11 Paper Pens




Topic: post modern dance – naturalism Aims: to use everyday moves and exaggerate them to create a dance/drama

Warm up: as normal plus using a newspaper in a circle – what can you do with it? Creative tasks: -demonstrate with volunteers how to tell a story using everyday movements that are exaggerated. -in groups, using the title ‘The Waiting Room’, create a piece in that style. Plenary: Perform and peers evaluate


MP3 DanceMakers 13 Newspapers

Weeks 14-16 Topic and aims



Topic: A snapshot of life ‘Nature v Technology’

Warm up Creative tasks: -listen and examine music -in groups either the ‘nature’ group or the ‘technology’ group create a series of motifs -as a group make decisions about how to put the piece together - perform, film and evaluate the process.


MP3 DanceMakers 14


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6.2 Mid-course Evaluation Form Mid-Course evaluation – DanceMakers Please circle your chosen answer.

I go to Freshwater/Newport

Based on DanceMakers so far...

1. Do you think you are feeling healthier either emotionally or physically because of the

classes?

Yes/no/not sure

2. Do you think that DanceMakers stretches your mind as well as your body?

Yes/no/not sure

3. Is DanceMakers making you feel more confident?

Yes/no/not sure

4. Has DanceMakers helped you to mix with different people?

Yes/no/not sure

5. If DanceMakers was able to start up again in September, would you come back to the

class?

Yes/no/not sure

Any other comments about what you feel you get out of the classes

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6.3 Letter from DanceMakers participant

To Whom It May Concern,

I am a fit and quite healthy 73 year old married woman and together with a friend of the same age, I have been a member of Michelle’s keep fit group for the past sixteen weeks. We cannot afford a gym membership and found that the classes on a Friday morning were excellent from our point of view. Not too strenuous for two ladies who have had heart attacks, yet most enjoyable and beneficial for the more gentle exercises and stretching etc., which the whole class found beneficial. Just as important was the fact that it became a social meeting place each Friday for a dozen or more, local, older ladies and we all had such fun. Everyone got along, thanks in no small way to Michelle, and I will certainly miss not going to classes on Fridays. Michelle is an excellent instructor, extremely good with people and gave a lot of thought to the exercises etc., which were suited to the older generation. I do hope that the classes can be resumed at some time in the near future. Thanks you very much. Mrs Pamela Bush.


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6.4 Poem written about DanceMakers by two participants

Our Adult Dance Makers Class

We go to adult learning class To St. John’s Church Hall in Node Hill

We sometimes portray nature Movement, different thing’s

Warming up with light exercise Keeping fit, for everyone

Our Instructor’s name is Michelle

Her skill’s are without doubt She certainly knows what she is doing

And she doesn’t swear or shout She treats us all as Equals Whilst we dance about.

She hopes to get funding from the council

To be able to open again We all want back in September

Again in the St. John’s Hall Many Thank’s

MICHELLE


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6.5 Photographs of DanceMakers sessions

Documents

DanceMakers - Independent Arts