Program offering freedom to move
Capturing and nurturing natural expression, freedom and uniqueness through creative movement are aims of a new program for Wimmera children.
Children aged seven and older can join the program with artist Amy Anselmi at Horsham Town Hall, starting tomorrow.
Ms Anselmi said the program, Creative Movement’ was a chance for children to ‘dip their toe’ into choreography. No previous experience is required.
“It’s not about coming along and learning a dance routine – there are plenty of places in town that offer that – it’s about coming along and learning the skills of creating choreography that is unique to you as a mover and a person,” she said.
“We know that children are so free in the way that they move.
“It’s really exciting to give children and young people the confidence and the ownership, and empowering them to believe they already have everything that they need within them to create movement and to create art.”
Ms Anselmi said the program, much like a movement program delivered in smaller rural schools across the region, offered young people a chance to discover new skills and express themselves and their ideas through movement.
“Anything that gets young people moving is good. Movement is good for mental health, it’s good for fitness and for mood,” she said.
“Children are naturally expressive and sometimes, when they enter the school system and formalised dance training, some of that freedom can be sacrificed in the pursuit of technique or excellence or conformity.
“A program like this takes kids’ natural exuberance, experimentation, freedom and, hopefully, lack of inhibition, and it uses that as a springboard for creation and creativity.”
The program runs from 4pm to 5pm weekly for four weeks, starting tomorrow. Places are still available. People wanting more information, or to book, can go to www.horshamtownhall.com.au
The Victorian Department of Education and Training is supporting the program.