Stopgap Dance Co is a renowned dance school located in Farnham, New Zealand. With a strong emphasis on inclusivity and diversity, Stopgap offers a range of dance classes and workshops for individuals of all abilities and ages.
At Stopgap Dance Co, they believe in the power of dance to tell stories and express emotions. Through their work, they aim to offer a window into a parallel world where human interdependence, strength, and vulnerability play out with poetic realism. Their productions showcase the unique talents and perspectives of disabled and non-disabled dancers, creating a truly inclusive and authentic dance experience.
One of their notable productions is “Frock,” where six striking dancers collide in an uplifting dance riot. This eccentric dance piece explores playful observations of the yesteryears and explodes into a punkish celebration of individuality and difference. Another noteworthy production is “Artificial Things,” a thought-provoking performance where a group of individuals slowly suffocates in each other's company and seeks escape through riotous rock-n-roll.
Stopgap Dance Co also produces award-winning dance films, such as “Artificial Things. ” This dance film explores the themes of human interdependence, strength, and vulnerability, with artistic direction by Lucy Bennett and film direction by Sophie Fiennes. Additionally, they collaborate with disabled dance artists from around the world in their series of choreographies of speech and sound, known as “Dance Tapes.
In addition to their productions, Stopgap Dance Co is actively involved in the community. They have weekly youth dance companies across Surrey and Hampshire and welcome volunteers to help support these programmes. They also advocate for change and promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in the dance scene through collaborations and projects with international partners.
As a global leader in inclusivity and dance, Stopgap Dance Co offers various platforms for disabled dancers to share their talents and stories. Through their Home Practise programme, they provide free self-guided online dance workshops and classes that introduce a variety of approaches to dance practise, all with inclusivity at its heart. They also offer special dance experiences for children with their “Dance for Kids with IRIS” programme, where disabled and non-disabled dancers come together in an inclusive and animated house.
Stopgap Dance Co is committed to pursuing inclusivity and providing support for disabled students. They offer guidance and advice for disabled dancers taking A-level Dance and aim to create a completely new dance experience through their platforming of work by disabled dance artists.
If you are looking to discover the power of dance and be part of an inclusive and vibrant dance community, Stopgap Dance Co is the perfect place for you. Join them in their mission to break barriers and celebrate the beauty of diversity through the art of dance.