WIREDGOV

A MIDLANDS based dance company is taking to the road with an interactive dance theatre experience to educate young people about sexual health and well-being.

Autin Dance Theatre is getting set to tour A Positive Life - an immersive, interactive dance experience for young people, funded by an Arts Council National Lottery Project Grant.

A Positive Life follows the stories of five characters during a 60-minute performance combining dance, theatre and spoken word. The piece explores issues around sexual health, sex education and a wide range of taboos, ultimately encouraging young people to talk about ideas of gender, sexuality and identity.

The company has already taken the piece across the UK to 22 secondary schools, universities, youth, community and arts centres, reaching teenagers and young adults with live performances alongside creative and educational workshops. For many, it was their first experience of an immersive and interactive live performance – and so positive were the responses from the young audiences, now the dance theatre company is preparing to reach even more people.

Peter Knott, Area Director for Arts Council England, said:

“The honest and open way Johnny shares his personal experiences of living with HIV is something that can inspire young audiences to talk more openly about their own life challenges.

“It’s great to see A Positive Life create such a safe, supportive space for young people to talk and share their thoughts as part of a live performance.”

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