Radical Motion Double Bill – ConfiCo and Mind the Gap
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Radical Motion is a new disability dance festival for Folkestone, hosted by Confidance.
Topping the festival will be this double bill event from ConfiCo and Mind the Gap. Mind the Gap will open with ‘The Shopping Basket Theory’, a brand-new dance-theatre duet in collaboration with John-William Watson. ConfiCo will follow, premiering ‘Give Me Space’ - a striking new work inspired by their lived experiences of disability.
Mind the Gap: The Shopping Basket Theory (15 minutes)
What happens when doom and gloom meets cheer, when hopelessness meets hopefulness?
In this brand-new dance-theatre duet, a collaboration between Mind the Gap and John-William Watson; two opposing characters search for connection and community whilst trying to embrace each other's differences. If they share the load, will they find empathy and common ground?
Mind the Gap collaborates with learning disabled and/or autistic artists to create bold, inclusive and original theatre.
John-William Watson is a Yorkshire based choreographer, director and dancer from Beeston, Leeds. They create critically acclaimed, darkly-comedic dance plays - often exploring the interplay between silliness, surrealism and existentialism.
ConfiCo: Give Me Space (30 minutes)
Bold and moving, Give Me Space is a powerful dance performance by ConfiCo that puts learning-disabled voices centre stage and celebrates the fight to be heard.
Give Me Space is a striking new dance piece co-created with ConfiCo, Confidance’s company of learning-disabled artists. Together, the dancers share their lived experience, exploring what it feels like to live in a world that doesn’t always listen or include.
“People often mishear me. I want people to take the time to listen and understand me. I want people to give me more space…”
Using movement, spoken word and strong images, the piece explores how it feels to be excluded by systems and rules that don’t fit. But it’s also about strength, creativity and the fight to be heard and understood.
By sharing their stories on stage, ConfiCo are building a future where learning-disabled artists are seen, valued and celebrated in professional performance.
What people have to say about Give Me Space:
“This made me feel like change is possible”
“Joy, connection and the beauty of movement”
“It gives you the courage to be bold”
Come and join our closing party!
By purchasing your ticket to this Double Bill, you can gain entry to our Closing Party. Come and celebrate with us, as part of a welcoming and vibrant party with incredible DJs who have learning disabilities.
Simply add a ticket to our Closing Party into your basket to receive a discount.
Access Information
This event welcomes people with and without learning disabilities and/or neurodivergence.
What to expect:
• An accessible programme will be available to explain the performance.
• There will be an interval, and you are welcome to take breaks whenever you need.
• You can stim, move or make noise during the show.
• The performance includes loud and energetic music; feel free to bring ear defenders if helpful.
• There will be no strobe lighting or full blackouts; sunglasses are welcome if that helps you feel comfortable.
The venue is wheelchair accessible.
Radical Motion Festival:
Fancy getting involved in more inclusive dance workshops and performances?
You can join us for FREE workshops during the festival, including:
Give Me Space - ConfiCo workshop
Make your Move - open dance workshop (Confidance)
Learning disabled leadership in dance (Hannah Sampson & Stopgap workshop)
Everybody Moves – family dance workshop (Confidance)
Mind the Gap dance workshop
I’m Me: accessible research workshop
Closing Party!
More about ConfiCo and Confidance:
ConfiCo are Confidance’s professional training company, made up of dancers with learning disabilities. Since they formed in 2019, ConfiCo have created and performed bold new dance performances across Kent. Alongside training, they bring high-quality representation to key arts events and perform to hundreds of people each year.
Confidance have been trailblazing inclusion in Kent for over 15 years. They provide accessible dance training where it is lacking: in schools, community classes and through professional training. Their mission is to ensure that people with learning disabilities and/or neurodivergence are seen, heard and valued.
You can learn more about ConfiCo and Confidance by visiting our website: www.confidance.org.uk
This event is supported by Arts Council England National Lottery, Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, Creative Folkestone and the generous donations of our Confidance supporters.