The project in summary

Dance Training for young adults with Down syndrome (Locarno, Switzerland).

To offer young adults with Down syndrome the opportunity to enroll the contemporary dance professional training as well as to join the MOPS_DanceSyndrome Company or other dance companies; to help them integrating the labor market and eventually starting a career as artists.

  • 6 dancers with Down syndrome, ages 15-35;
  • 8 teachers, participating in the Follow-Up Training on the MOPS_DanceSyndrome Methodology.

In 2019, MOPS_DanceSyndrome continued to develop its training activities for the benefit of 6 dancers with Down syndrome, ages 15-35. The training sessions, held at the Teatro dei Fauni in Locarno, take place two full days per week, from September to June, and are free of charge. The courses follow a precise methodology, designed by Ela Franscella, based on the acquisition of a better understanding of one’s own body, listening to oneself and the group, the study of anatomy and human physiology. The school year ended up with a Workshop organized in collaboration with the Dance Company ZOO/Thomas Hauert during which both companies were able to experiment, explore and wonder about the bonds that unite their unique choreographic cultures, through research and sharing. During the same period, the Company featured two shows of Relational Dance (CCC_Collective Culture Conscientia and Choreus Numinis) outside the official theatre circuits with the aim of reaching a more heterogenous audience. During the second semester, the Company participated to several events of national and historic-scientific interest, as well as for dissemination purposes, to launch new ways of cultural, artistic and social awareness.

In 2018, MOPS_DanceSyndrome was awarded with the Premio Pro Ticino Award 2018, for its unique engagement, protection and valorization of individuals in all their diversity. Fondation Alta Mane supports the association since 2015.

Media

Trailer of the show “Choreus Numinis”: https://vimeo.com/288007788

Video portrait: https://vimeo.com/205769274

Reportage by Quotidiano della RSI-Radiotelevisione Svizzera (video)

Vimeo channel: https://vimeo.com/mops

Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/mopsdancesyndrome/

Disability Arts International:

http://www.disabilityartsinternational.org/artists/profiles/mops-dancesyndrome/