Hoot - Invitation, Expression, Interaction, Challenge, Growth

Dance – to make you feel good

Hoot dance groups are mostly about encouraging people to get back in touch with their bodies, explore the ways in which they move and how this makes them feel. The groups support people to gently explore movement, space, themselves alone, and their connections with other people. There is also a focus on fun, play, listening and being in the moment. Most sessions focus on improvisation but some taught forms such as West African dance are also used. Sessions are tailored to suit all levels of physical ability and to respond to specific cultural needs. The focus, as with all Hoot activities, is on involvement for all, regardless of background or previous experience.

Benefits:

	Improved mobility, flexibility and physical well-being
	Enhanced self-image, confidence and self-esteem
	Emotional expression, stress relief and the release of physical tension
	A strong sense of group membership and belonging
	Having fun and enjoying oneself

Hoot offers:

Taster sessions to give people a chance to find out how much fun it can be moving together.

Outreach groups running blocks of movement sessions in a chosen style or approach with an established group or agency, for example a residential project, support group or hospital setting. Live music can also be incorporated.

Regular open groups where people can build skills and confidence over time, work on developing longer pieces and compositions and establish relationships with each other.

Performances and participative workshops to liven up conferences and meetings, launch an event or just celebrate the power of movement/dance. They give participants a chance to show what they have achieved and encourage others to join in, which in turn gives a fantastic boost to self-confidence and challenges any negative perspectives that may exist about the abilities of disadvantaged groups.

To find out more see what’s on in your area, or to enquire about how we can offer sessions to your group or agency contact us.

"Working without music, dancing in the candle-light, I loved how we created our own music using our bodies"