Bringing the Arts to Life in our Sensational Learning Centre
For many neurodivergent people, accessing and enjoying the arts can be challenging. Sensory sensitivities, communication differences and environments that don’t always accommodate individual needs can make traditional performances overwhelming or inaccessible.
Recently, our Sensational Learning Centre (SLC) welcomed musicians and dancers from the Dunedin Consort for a relaxed performance designed with accessibility and inclusion at its heart.
The performance featured three bass instruments from the orchestra and focused on Baroque dance music. Through storytelling and movement led by dancers, the music was brought to life in new and creative ways. Both dancers integrated British Sign Language (BSL) into their performance, ensuring that the experience was inclusive and engaging for all.
After the performance, SLC pupils had the chance to meet the musicians, explore the instruments up close and ask questions. This relaxed and interactive approach made the visit feel more accessible and helped the pupils connect with creativity in a way that was meaningful to them.
After the performance, SLC pupils had the chance to meet the musicians, explore the instruments up close and ask questions. This relaxed and interactive approach made the visit feel more accessible and helped the pupils connect with creativity in a way that was meaningful to them.
Angela Evans, Head of Learning Services, said:
“It was wonderful to see our pupils so engaged and confident as they explored the music and movement. The Dunedin Consort created an environment where every pupil could take part and express themselves. Experiences like this show the power of the arts in inspiring communication, joy and connection.”
This visit highlights the importance of removing barriers to cultural opportunities. Experiences like these allow young people to build confidence, explore their creativity and experience the arts in ways that reflect and respect their needs.
Amy Strachan, Learning and Participation Manager at Dunedin Consort, said:
“We were thrilled to collaborate with the incredible staff and children at Donaldson’s as part of our ongoing Deaf Season initiative. At the heart of our work is the belief that music is a universal language – one that should be accessible to everyone. It was deeply moving to witness the children and staff engaging with our performance, not only as attentive audience members but also through hands-on interaction, feeling the vibrations of the instruments and asking lots of questions.”
Dunedin Consort have also very kindly offered our staff and pupils free tickets to their Children’s Messiah this year, which is signed by Paul Whittaker. The Edinburgh performance is on Wednesday, 17th December 16:00-17:00 at the Queen’s Hall. For parents within our Sensational Learning Centre who are interested, please contact our Principal Teacher, Naj. You can also visit their website for more information: https://www.dunedin-consort.org.uk/
We’d like to say huge thank you to our Head of Learning Services, Angela Evans, for organising such a wonderful experience for the pupils.
Listen to the pieces from the performance on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2aDgK15HgNxoqhurZJZTvt?si=c7ac0bf5f5c74745
Learn more about the dancers, Clare and Lesley, who perform as ‘Just Us’. They merge Contemporary Dance, British Sign Language and Autistic Stimming into a shared score that prioritises non-verbal communication. They have a show called ‘Home for Hamish’ which is coming out soon. Please see their website for more details about their work: https://www.clareandlesley.com/
