Thanks to Bradford Council’s #Response2 programme, Spin Arts is delighted to be bringing the Company of Others ‘Dance in an Envelope‘ project to Bradford #DanceInAnEnvelope 

Conceived by Nadia Iftkhar and illustrated by dancer Jem Clancy, Dance in an Envelope is a free, non-digital dance game for primary school aged children and their grown-up’s to enjoy together, at times when leaving their home is more difficult.  It can be enjoyed by those with no access to the internet, or with English as an additional language.

The game is designed to help with language and phonics; to keep children physically active and creative during turbulent times, and to encourage children and their grown-ups to connect and play together through fun and liberating movement.

Bradford Council supported 23 creative, fun educational projects as part of its #Response2 programme, which has been set up to support the district’s creative sector, as well as those that are struggling with homeschooling.

The chosen projects, developed by local creatives from across the district, present new and innovative ways to engage families both online and offline as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. The projects take place at an important time for the culture sector in Bradford, as the district builds on preparations and activity linked to bidding for UK City of Culture 2025.

The 23 chosen projects, which were given grants of up to £1,500, offer a wealth of creative opportunities to young people, including activity packs, books, calligraphy, online dance workshops, photography and poetry.

Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “The reaction that we’ve had to #Response2 has been phenomenal and proves just how important it is for us to support the cultural sector within the district. The fact that we’ve been able to support the sector and use it as an opportunity to help the many people that are going through the challenges of home learning is fantastic. We hope it’ll bring a bit of fun to homes across the district and give parents that little bit of respite that so many are in need of.”

Cllr Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Education, Employment and Skills added: “The added pressure of home learning in the middle of a pandemic has been incredibly difficult for many in the district, so I’m delighted that the Council has put together this programme to offer support. The chosen projects are incredibly creative and fun, yet still have that all important educational element which so many young people are missing out on due to being away from the classroom.”

If you’re an individual or organisation working with families or communities in Bradford, drop Hadi an email at hadi@spin-arts.com and we’ll happily provide you with some free packs. (Limited availability – available from April 2021)

For more information about Dance in an Envelope (Bradford), please email info@spin-arts.com