Blue Eyed Soul Dance Company, Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Blue Eyed Soul Dance Company is extremely disappointed at the decision of Arts Council England not to fund the Company as part of the National Portfolio. The quantity and quality of work delivered by the Company over the past 16 years has pioneered dance for disabled artists, won international acclaim and represented huge value for money to its funders.  Its work with disabled and non-disabled people of all ages accessed traditionally ‘hard to reach’ audiences, both in its home county of Shropshire, across the UK and with developing international links.  This decision represents a step backwards for inclusive arts in England.

The Company will meet with it’s Management Board and Arts Council England to discuss the best possible way forward to sustain future work through other possible funding options

It’s been a packed year for LIKE Youth Dance with Short Breaks for Disabled Children funding in Shropshire and Telford giving Blue Eyed Soul Dance Company the opportunity to give a broader and more sustained programme of activity for young people aged 5-19.

Some of the young people performed at Telford Dance Festival, and we’re looking forward to new performance opportunities for Envision Dance Group (hip-hop & contemporary fusion) such as Telford Culture Fest in the Town Park on 23rd July.

Our after school activity has proved popular, and we’re hopeful of building towards our long term ambition of bridging the gap between main stream and inclusive dance, and celebrating new fun creative ways of moving.

Our Artistic Director has even been invited to a reception with the Queen for young people in performing arts, a very exciting honour.

If you’re interested in learning more do add yourself as a fan of our LIKE Youth Dance facebook group.  There’s some lovey photos there too.