In November 2016, I formed ‘Samphire’, a community dance company specifically for adults aged 55+. We work on projects and small scale performances in the community and sometimes share our work with other similar dance groups on the south coast. The professionally led sessions are fun, joyful and uplifting, and aim to improve people’s mental and physical fitness levels and feelings of wellbeing.
When: Thursdays 2 – 3.30
Where: Camp Hill Sports and Community Centre, Quarry View, Newport
Costs: 7 week blocks Pay what you can £63 or £70
Participants value:
“…the humour within the class, and the other members who are kind, considerate and welcoming. The opportunity to be creative and to perform / share what we achieve…To be part of a team.”
Under Julia’s Spell
Summer 2017, our first project, a collaboration between Samphire, QuayCrafts and film maker Paul Windridge culminated in the film, ‘Under Julia’s Spell’ which formed part of the exhibition ‘Out of the Shadows’ at Dimbola Museum and Galleries. (Photograph by Carol Walker).
The Nelken Line
In May 2018 Samphire and friends took part in the world wide project, The Nelken Line.
Knitting the Bones
Summer 2018 at the Ventnor Fringe – ‘Knitting the Bones’ choreographed by myself, Michelle Hainsworth, and Samphire, with words and music by Sandy Kealty.
Site specific improvisations
Summer 2019 and we danced at a variety of places around the Isle of Wight. We collaborated with Paul Windridge and created ‘Journeys’ – an improvisation at Compton Bay and ‘Awakening’ at Borthwood Copse.
Crossing the Bar
n October 2021, we were commissioned by the New Carnival Company to create a site specific dance at Bembridge and at Niton for an Arts and Walking festival. The dance film was chosen to be shown at Host, an event celebrating Dance and Age from around the world: https://www.encoreeastdance.co.uk/host-on-film-film-links/
Breath
In June 2022, Samphire created Breath for the 50th anniversary celebrations of Ventnor Botanic Gardens.
On the Bench
June 2022. Samphire created duets as part of the Ventnor Botanic Gardens celebrations.
A Fine Line
Commissioned by the New Carnival Company we created a dance inspired by Cowes Boat Shed in Oct 2022.
Island Lives
June 2023 and Samphire produced a trilogy of films inspired by how we feel about living on the Isle of Wight. The third dance film was chosen to be shown at Host, an event celebrating Dance and Age from around the world:
Somebody that I used to know
June 2024. Inspired by games we played as children.
To see our films click here: http://danceiow.org.uk/wp/galleries/
If you would be interested in joining Samphire Dance then please contact Michelle Hainsworth here.