From Poetry to Performance: Connect & Dance with guest artist Bobbie Gargrave

Some facilitators walk into a studio and teach the steps.

And then there are artists like Bobbie, who walk in and build a living, breathing ecosystem of creativity.

Over five weeks of Connect & Dance, Bobbie invited our dancers into something far richer than choreography. She wove together technique, collaboration and poetry written by a local artist, using “art” as the seed from which movement began to bloom. The result was not just a dance piece, but a shared creative journey shaped by everybody in the room.

What unfolded each week was anticipation you could almost hold in your hands. New friendships formed. Conversations deepened. Movement material grew organically through curiosity and care. Dancers worked with commitment within their own capabilities, adapting and supporting one another, discovering that challenge and kindness can exist beautifully side by side.

By week five, a full piece had emerged, complete with a clear beginning, middle and end, performed collectively by the group. Some dancers joined for a single session, others for the full block, yet every person had space within the work. That inclusivity is not accidental. It is intentional artistry.

Connect & Dance block

We are deeply grateful to Bobbie for leading this Connect & Dance block with such generosity and creative spark. We are equally delighted that she will now step into the studio as a participant for the next block, because at DNA, the circle of learning never really closes.

Below, Bobbie reflects on her experience leading Connect & Dance and what made these five weeks so special.

Working with Connect and Dance! Bobbie Gargrave:

"Such a privilege and a joy!

Working with such a range of wonderful people who all bring something unique to the space.

As a dance teacher, it has been creatively energising to initiate movement material by engaging dancers in the process of choreography, using technique skills and poetry as a stimulus. Poetry that has been written by a local poet, taking ‘art’ as her initial starting point for the poem.

Each week, there is an atmosphere of anticipation and a general sense of community, care and kindness. New friendships are made, new skills are explored, and many new conversations opened up.

Once class starts we all work physically hard within our own capabilities. There is genuine support for each other through the session and all dancers can adapt and/or modify the movement to suit their bodies. The choreographic opportunities allow for new learning/ physical challenge and working with others.

The piece of dance work grows across the 5/6 weeks. By week 6 we have a piece of dance which has a clear beginning / middle and end and can be performed by the whole group. Some dancers can only spend a couple of sessions with us and that’s all ok. We try to ensure every dancer has some opportunity to dance in the piece.

DNA provide a beautiful space, warm welcomes and huge support for us all. At the end of each session we have the offer of refreshment and connection.

Each block offers a different dance style / genre, so that we can get a real cross-section of dance content shared with many. Everyone has a chance to try something new / favourite or improve what they already can do.

It is a truly special group which can have so many benefits to general health and well being!

I have been very grateful for the opportunity to lead this particular block of dance and look forward to being a participant in the next block !

Thank you DNA for the opportunities you provide for us all".

Image Credit; Lynn Twinn, Connect & Dance participant

Coming in March 2026: With the release of the DNA newspaper you can join in with Bobbie for 'Sowing The Seeds of Spring' movement illustrated by Lizzie Lines or you can visit online to join in at home