Dance Re:Ignite Festival 2024

BEEE Creative brought together 140 people for their recent Dance Re:Ignite Festival 2024 – celebrating dance by and for older adults and inclusive groups. The day at the Eric Morecambe Centre in Harpenden embraced the idea that dance is for everyone, no matter age, background or previous experience of dance. It was a Festival built on inclusivity and making visible that dance can, and should, be for everyone. The day involved 20 dance and arts practitioners and provided opportunities for people to not only perform in two performance platforms or explore different dance styles across six workshops, but also to meet others who shared the same passion for dance.

During the day we talked to those who attended and they shared with us their experiences of dance and movement and what it means in their lives. Many appreciate the connections they make when attending regular dance classes and build friendships that go beyond the sessions. Others find dance gives them a chance to push through personal boundaries, to have something to look forward to or is an escape from other things happening in their lives. For those that make dance for performing, they find value in the collective achievement it brings. Everyone comes to dance for different reasons but it really is never too late to start. The energy, enthusiasm and love for dance that was evident at Dance Re:Ignite Festival 2024, made for a fantastic day of building connections and creating heartwarming memories.