11 Million Reasons to Dance is a photography exhibition conceptualised by People Dancing to positively profile Deaf and disabled people in dance activity in the UK. With funding from Unlimited Impact, People Dancing commissioned emerging photographer, Sean Goldthorpe to create 20 high quality images inspired by iconic dance moments in film. The stunning, powerful, emotive, and humorous images are diverse with many bringing a subtle but relevant message. In addition to the original collection, the exhibition presents six supplementary short-films, depicting the ‘behind-the-scenes’, as well as three video works on professional dance companies who are also part of the UK/Korea 2017–18’s closing programme, Festival Arts and Disability: Beautiful Differences.
11 Million Reasons to Dance
- Date: 10.00–18.00, 9–23 March 2018
- Venue: Korea Disability Arts & Culture Center, 2nd floor IEUM Gallery
- Hosted by: Korea Disability Arts and Culture Centre, British Council in Korea
- Organised by: British Council in Korea
- In Partnership with People Dancing
- Sponsored by: Arts Council England, Unlimited Impact, KEB Hana Bank, GREAT Campaign
| The Photographer |
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Sean Goldthorpe is an emerging disabled photographer based in Leicester. He graduated from De Monfort University and has worked on a number of commissions including work for Curve Theatre, Leicester. Through Unlimited Impact funding, he was able to receive mentorship from the established professional photographer, Drew Gardiner, and developed his skills in photography.
| The Participants |
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The participants involved in 11 Million Reasons are predominately Deaf and disabled people for whom dance is a large part of their life, professionally, or vocationally. People Dancing worked with people of all ages, from local schools and youth groups, adults who dance in their local communities, through to some of the leading disabled choreographers and professional dancers in the UK.
| People Dancing |
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People Dancing is the development organisation and membership body for community and participatory dance, working across the UK and internationally. Established in 1986, People Dancing has more than 2,300 members and reaches 4,500 dance professionals worldwide. People Dancing’s leadership of the community dance network provides a platform for exchange, critical debate and peer learning. This exposes its members to diverse dance practices and new contacts, expanding their professional horizons and strengthening their professional identity.
