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Flamenco @ Rozelle Community Centre
Dean Watson, Creative Director of Flamenco @
Dean Watson (Sydney)
- Flamenco dance and music class for people with an intellectual disability
Don't DIS my ABILITY event details
Dance class date
- 5 December 2009, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Process
Flamenco @ is a dance and music class for people with an intellectual disability taught by professional dance tutor Dean Watson and percussion tutor Claudia Chambers. Flamenco @ is an innovative approach to community cultural development experiences for people with intellectual disabilities.
The short term objectives of the class are for participants to develop an appreciation for music and dance, to improve their own movement and concentration skills in a creative and supportive environment.
Long term, the class aims to increase self-confidence, skills, body awareness and social integration by offering professional and creative dance and music experiences to adolescents and young adults with an intellectual disability.
Students are guided through a warm up and an introduction to Flamenco rhythm and hand clapping session. They will learn a short choreographed piece and finish with an individual improvised dance solo session.
About the tutor
Dean Watson
Dean Watson is an accomplished flamenco dancer and choreographer. He studied with the Australian National Ballet and after graduating become initiated with flamenco. He studied in Madrid with El Guito, Ciro and in Seville with Manolo Marin. He has been a flamenco bailaor in Australia and was a member of the Antonio Vargas Flamenco Dance Theatre and Flamenco Dreaming. He is the creative director of Flamenco @ which aims to develop and improve the ability of adolescents with Down Syndrome to listen, dance and express themselves through Flamenco dance.
Claudia Chambers
Claudia Chambers is a founding member of Unlock Creativity, lived in Spain for five years studying Spanish flamenco percussion and dance from leading Flamenco artists including Juan Flores (Duquende, Manuel Soto), Isaac Figueras (Chiquelo) and Pepe Motos (Sara Baras Flamenco Company, Paco de Lucia). She then moved to Ireland where she worked as percussionist (Luka Bloom, Rodrigo y Gabriela and Viento y Fuego) and teacher/facilitator (Drums for Fun - corporate team building, The Irish Drum Academy, and Walton's New School of Music.) She has worked with community organisations, schools and individuals of all different ages and abilities for over 15 years.
UP! Club | Down Syndrome NSW
The UP! Club is a peer support group for young adults with Down syndrome and is part of Down Syndrome NSW. Down Syndrome NSW is an independent, registered charity established and run by parents. The work of Down Syndrome NSW depends on the generosity of its members and the general public in supporting its fundraising efforts and through donations. Annual funding from the State Government through the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care assists in meeting administrative costs. The Aim of Down Syndrome NSW is to encourage people with Down syndrome to fulfil their potential for successful and happy lives, in a society which knows their abilities and is supportive of their needs. The Work of Down Syndrome NSW is to represent the interests and respond to the needs of people with Down syndrome in the major aspects of their lives; as members of the family, in their individual pursuits, and as members of the community.
Rozelle Neighbourhood Centre
Rozelle Neighbourhood Centre is a community based not for profit organisation that offers referral, information and advocacy assistance; programs for people with intellectual disabilities; respite and support services and community projects.
Project partners
Dean Watson, Claudia Chambers, UP! Club | Down Syndrome NSW, Rozelle Neighbourhood Centre