SVI members enjoyed their trip to Birmingham last month to explore dance with the professionals. Our members Gary, Graham and Ray have put together accounts of their experiences, in their own style.
Read Gary’s account of the event, followed by Graham’s poem. Then listen to an extract from Sandwell Talking News compiled by Ray with live recordings from the day, accompanied by a reading of Graham’s poem. Not to be missed, it gives a real flavour of the experience. Thank you everyone!

Review by Gary Holland
On 26 February, I was invited along with other members of SVI to the Birmingham Hippodrome Birmingham Royal Ballet.
We received the warmest of welcomes from Hannah and Tom, two of the dancers from the Freefall Dance Company and their creative team, Lee, Sarah Jenny and Clair.
I really didn’t know what to expect, but there wasn’t a tutu in sight! Although participation wasn’t compulsory, I personally found myself captivated and drawn in by the oozing enthusiasm from all concerned. We created our own signature pose, explored from within our own imaginary bubble, with twists and turns, stretches and bends and I imagined that I was painting with broad strokes.

All this and other concepts were accompanied by a fantastic pianist on a grand piano.
Sadly the two hours went by far too quickly. I was so energised and left on a real high. I was buzzing and I certainly hope there will be an act two for us to enjoy in the future.
When I arrived home, my wife was keen to know about my day and asked to see a couple of my moves. I spontaneously went into action and subsequently knocked two items off the worktop, one hitting the floor, the other landing in the toaster, what a finale!
I’m sure I haven’t mentioned everybody, but a big thank you to all, including Paul, who was there to facilitate our personal needs if required. You were all simply fantastic.

Other dance options available, by Graham Price
Sandwell Visually Impaired took a gamble,
The invite was clear, bop and Cuban were on the cards,
What happened proved to be more than ample,
Measured not in inches, nor in feet but yes, in yards.
Birmingham Royal Ballet had said come along,
‘We are keen to share with you what turns us on’,
The Infectious enthusiasm of Lee, Sarah, Jenny and Claire so strong,
Their ‘Freefall’ activity of 21 years standing to name just one.
Hannah and Tom in such dextrous pose,
Captured in models with moving parts,
Demonstrating inclusivity that included all of us,
Reinvigorating our need to value the arts.
Thank you to Paul, Richard and those already named plus those unknown,
For valuing our presence with such a warm welcome with smiles and refreshments on tap,,
For persuading us into body moves we now own,
Bop and Cuban possibly left for another lap!

Listen to more about the event
Listen to Sandwell Talking News piece on the visit by STN Editor Ray, along with a recital of Graham’s poem by Sandwell Talking News volunteer Robert.
- Listen below:
