A first show for bright, young Sadler’s Wells choreographic talent

DJ dances with Corali Dance Company, funded by Southwark Council. Not only has he been rehearsing and performing himself, he has led a group of dancers, with and without learning disabilities, through the choreographic process to result in high quality contemporary performance. All this has been supported over the past year by associate artists from Sadler's Wells, where he performed in March this year.

DJ, 25, is coming to the end of his year-long placement with Wayne McGregor of Random Dance, New Adventures and Jonzi D Productions, associate artists at Sadler's Wells. During his placement he has worked within the education teams of all three companies delivering outreach and education. He has also joined company class, watched rehearsals and seen lots of performances.

Georgie Cockburn, participation officer said

"DJ has worked with three of the leading contemporary dance companies in the country this past year - he has gained a real understanding of their work and has taken his own inclusive practice to them. He is now building choreographic skills, leading a group of artists with learning disabilities through the process under the close guidance of Antoine. DJ has taken the lead in all kinds of ways in this project and throughout his placement he has shown skills and insight that demonstrate his capacity as an arts leader"

DJ said, "They've (the three companies) given me a big gift. They give to me and I have also given to them. I feel really fired up."

Councillor Veronica Ward, cabinet member for culture, leisure, sport and the Olympics said, "Who couldn't be proud of DJ? He's clearly an extremely capable man with exceptional dance skills. His choreographic and dance work will bring immense pleasure to those who now have the chance to see it. DJ will help to spread the word that this area of London is filled with vibrant young talent."

DJ's year-long Sadler's Wells placement culminates with a performance choreographed by him, and supported by his mentor Antoine, at 3.15pm on Saturday 19 June at the HeartnSoul Paradise Gardens Festival, Victoria Park, E1.

Background

DJ was the first emerging artist with a learning disability to gain a Grant for the Arts from the Arts Council for his Professional Development, supported by Corali. DJ is a facilitator and Performer with Corali, he performs with Cando2 and has worked as a Tutor for the Dance and Disabled people Summer School with Foundation for Community dance.

Project June 2010: Having worked with New Adventures, giving them his choreographic score to interpret and perform at Sadler's Wells, DJ is now being mentored by Antoine Vereecken of Random Dance to lead a mixed group of performers with and without learning disabilities through a choreographic process.

He is using his wealth of experience as a workshop leader and learning new skills as a choreographer to take the group, fellow company members Bethan Kendrick, Jackie Ryan and Graham Evans from Corali, up to the performance:

DJ performed 'Scapes' at Sadler's Wells on 12 March 12 this year

Silver Arts Award: This project also forms the Arts Leadership Unit of his Silver Arts Award - he is due to complete this in July.

Please note that DJ prefers to be called DJ, not his given name of Housni Hassan.

For more information about Corali Dance Company, contact Georgina Cockburn on corali.participationofficer@googlemail.com or call 020 7091 7113.