Frame the Future Project
DanceEast, Far From The Norm and 1.S.A.F Ltd join forces to deliver a transformational hip-hop and film project at Westbourne Academy.
With funding from Suffolk County Council, the Frame the Future project is an eight-week programme using hip-hop dance and film to support young people at risk of exclusion. It aims to build confidence, skills and wellbeing through co-creation.
Lee Griffiths, Executive Producer of Far From The Norm said: “We are thrilled to have the support of Suffolk County Council for the Frame the Future project. Artistic Director, Botis Seva, founded our company after falling in love with dance at school while navigating challenges within the education system.
Frame The Future is an opportunity to connect with young people and share our experience of producing work both nationally and internationally. Through this project, we aim to create a meaningful experience that offers insight into the creative industries and equips participants with valuable life skills extending far beyond the project itself.”
Young people at Westbourne Academy have been working with professional Hip Hop dance artists and choreographers from Far From The Norm, a filmmaker, a composer, and creatives from local organisation, 1.S.A.F Ltd, to design and create their very own short film and to document their experiences and produce their own creative podcast.
Michael Huggins, Director at 1.S.A.F Ltd said: “1.S.A.F Ltd are delighted to be part of this project. We are a local Ipswich-based organisation where we use our platform to speak candidly about lived experiences, culture and personal development. Aiming to support some of the most vulnerable and overlooked groups within our community, whether local, national or worldwide.
Part of our ethos is helping people get ‘One Step Away From’ the barriers they face and ‘One Step Closer’ to desirable life outcomes. We hope to help foster lifelong social learning tools that empower the next generation.
For a couple of us, this is a true full-circle moment; as former students of Westbourne Academy. Some of the origins of what we do now, actually started at this school. Furthermore, dance, music and the performing arts were part of the positive strongholds of our own high school experience. Returning to contribute to that legacy is an honour.”
The project will culminate in a premiere of the final film at DanceEast in July, where students will be able to see their work on the big screen for the first time.
Kevin Stronach, Vice Principle at Westbourne Academy said: “It has been a great pleasure to have the opportunity given to us by DanceEast and the hard work of Sophie O’Connor in coordinating this project.
The energy, engagement and relationships developed by the team from Far From The Norm and 1.S.A.F has inspired our group of students to develop and explore skills they never realised they had.
There has been a significant impact in the group and we are grateful for the opportunity, as well as looking forward to the screening of the final film.
The fact several of the team are former students increases the gravity and ensures a strong legacy with our alumni. It is great to be giving back.”
For more information, please contact Sophie O’Connor on sophie.oconnor@danceeast.co.uk or 01473 295232.
With funding from Suffolk County Council (Culture Project Grants).
Managed by DanceEast and co-delivered by Far From The Norm and 1.S.A.F Ltd.
Photo credits: Camilla Greenwell