The PHA supports the ‘Here and Beyond’ inclusive dance & disability performance of the year

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is lending its support to Arts Care’s biggest dance and disability performance event of the year. The innovative and creative dance project will be part of the City of Culture 2013 celebrations.

The exciting Here & Beyond initiative, facilitated by Arts Care, will involve over 100 dancers with and without a disability. There will be acts from the USA, Scotland and across Northern Ireland including the local Lilliput Drama Group and pupils from St Anne’s Primary School and St Cecilia’s Secondary school who will give a dynamic performance of contemporary dance.

Brendan Bonner, Head of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement in the western area at the PHA, said: “The Here & Beyond initiative encompasses all of what the ‘inclusion’ theme of the City of Culture is about. It demonstrates how, with professional support and commitment, all citizens of this area can actively engage in culture, art, recreation and leisure, which in turn will have direct impact on improving both their physical and emotional wellbeing. The project covers issues such as physical activity, emotional enhancement and inclusion, and more importantly creates a greater sense of general wellbeing for participants and observers.

“The events facilitators Arts Care who have worked to create an exciting ‘Innovative Inclusive Dance Performance’, and the PHA would strongly encourage everyone to come out and support the event to demonstrate to those performers with a disability, that as artists and citizens, they are valued as part of the legacy that will be the City of Culture. Coming on the back of the One Big Weekend event, this initiative helps build on the potential that the arts can bring to everyone in this area to both participate and observe.”

The event promises to excite and amaze. It is professionally choreographed by internationally-renowned London-based choreographer Cheryl McChesney and local choreographers Carmel Garvey and Jenny Elliott.  The event takes place on Saturday 1 June at 7.30pm at The City of Culture Venue, Ebrington Square, Derry/ Londonderry.

Tickets are available from the Millennium Forum Box Office, priced £5 for adults and £3 for children or concessionary.