Producing, Co-creation & Inclusion in Performance for Children
Second Hand Dance are delivering a masterclass at People Dancing's Summer Programme 2026 on Wednesday 22 July at De Montfort University, Leicester.
The Masterclass Producing, Co-creation & Inclusion in Performance for Children will be led by Rosie Heafford and Keir Patrick, with Emily Jameson joining remotely.
Read Rosie's companion blog here: Let Them Disrupt: Children as Co-Creators
Are you a facilitator working in participatory practice who wants to make your work more inclusive for neurodivergent and disabled children? Discover how Second Hand Dance creates spaces where children are free to explore, choose how they engage, and turn rules of performance upside down.
In this workshop, you’ll explore the ways in which Second Hand Dance subtly challenge the status quo by crafting equitable, playful, shared experiences for children and adults. The creative process is child-led, rooted in non-verbal communication techniques, improvisation, observation, and deep listening.
Through practical exploration of our ethos, creative processes, and movement practices, you’ll deepen your understanding of inclusive connection and meaningful interaction — and leave with tools, frameworks, and renewed confidence to apply this learning directly to your own participatory practice.
The workshop will take place in a relaxed atmosphere; you can participate at your own pace. Workshop timing: 10.00am-5.30pm
By attending this workshop, you will gain:
- An understanding of disability types and barriers to access
- Insight into the considerations for working with neurodivergent and disabled children
- Insights into our co-creation practice and ways, we adapt performances to different audiences and access needs
- An understanding of our experience of an adaptive leadership and co-director model
- This workshop is aimed at artists and facilitators with some experience who are interested in expanding their knowledge of co-creation and inclusive practice.