Jo Cone Dance - Chuck the Box
Mission Statement:
Chuck the Box aims to develop the talent already evident among dancers with and without learning disabilities whilst educating the wider community in integrated dance.
The company will promote social inclusion by creating a group in which dancers of various abilities and experiences work together, therefore increasing opportunities for cultural diversity in the arts.
The company wishes to develop an audience for integrated dance through offering workshops and future performances to schools and other educational establishments, theatres, day centres and other community groups.
Company Agreements:
1. Work as a team
1. Work as a team
2. respect each other's equal rights
3. Be supportive to each other
4. Listen to everyone
5. Start and finish sessions on time
The Company
Chuck the Box is an integrated dance company formed in April 2005 in association with Starburst Arts. The company consists of nine adult performers with and without learning disabilities, who meet collectively once a week to experiment and play with movement and expression through dance.
The sessions, led by choreographer and community dance artist Joanne Cone, and arts facilitator Anne Walton develop skills and knowledge of the dancers in contemporary dance. The performances and workshops provided by the company offer opportunities for the wider community in experiencing dance.
The company is funded by the Arts Council England and West Sussex County Council.
Chuck the Box has been able to open new opportunities exploring self-expression and innovative new dance theatre in the West Sussex area.
The company's dancers were recruited through running two taster sessions.
The Dancers
Charlotte McMaster, currently studying Social Skills and IT at Chichester College, is an articulate performer always willing to encourage others in the group. She says: "I am enjoying everything that I do with Chuck the Box. It's just wonderful, I've learned a lot."
Lisa Sloane is a calm and focused dancer who enjoys choreographic tasks. She describes Chuck the Box as giving her confidence in performance. She says: "I surprised myself and feel proud when the audience clap. I love dancing and enjoy working with other people."
Mark Barnard is an enthusiastic and lively performer bringing great energy to the group. He says about Chuck the Box: "I like being in the group, it makes me feel happy. It feels good when I get it right."
Dorena "It's hard work but I like it. When we dance it's made up by all of us which is good. I like being in the group."
Rhian Farnworth is a dance student at Chichester College focusing on contemporary and ballet and hopes to further her study integrating fine art with dance performance. She says: "I enjoy helping people with disability and giving them opportunities to experience dance, express themselves and work as a group towards performance. I have learned about different styles of dance; it doesn't have to be all about set techniques to be able to perform."
Jo Cone is a community dance artist working in the West Sussex area. She's the co-director and choreographer of HUB dance theatre.
Anne Walton is a Starburst Arts Facilitator
Louise Bristow is a freelance artist, working with the management of visual art projects. She is Starburst Arts Project Co-ordinator and currently administrating Chuck the Box.
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