Past Events

Harrow 2007

Impact Summer Festival 2007

London Youth Games 2007

Germany 2007

In September we followed the invitation of an Englishman working in Germany as a house parent in a community for young people with disabilities.

Having a particular interest in stimulating artistic entertainment, he was keen to have Larondina dance in three other communities apart from his own which meant that during the four days’ stay there had to be four 90 minutes performances in well spread out locations. As the dancers tend to give their very all, it was feared that they would not cope, but having denied themselves all sightseeing and shopping they remained sparkling to the last curtain fall. Repeating applause and good food was their reward, not to mention an amazing report in a major newspaper.

The performances took place under expert lighting in attractive halls within these communities. These are run on ecological lines and everyone contributes to make them as self-sufficient as possible.

Via grants for cultural activities the dancers were paid 800 Euros per show which well covers the cost of their flight and hotel.

Dave Johnston, our host, now aims to find teacher candidates and will ask Larondina to return for conducting workshops with the young people.

Toulous/ France 2005 & 2006

Following the invitation of the extraordinary Dr Bernard Juteau in Toulouse the dance company paid its first and unforgettable visit to France.

The first performance took place in the new state of the art Mediatheque in Toulouse and was for Dr Juteau’s fellow doctors, researchers and care personnel whose interest lies in promoting medical and social initiatives including better social inclusion. Moreover, their aim is specifically to give support to the vulnerable population of Russia. (When linking up with the already active Downside Up organisation in Moscow, the Larondina Dance Company had been brought to Dr Juteau’s attention).

In between French gourmet meals and fun packed, well organised sightseeing trips, the company performed at a large residential centre where the residents enthusiastically joined in the Mumbo finale. When staff expressed their surprise and delight at seeing some of their most reluctant movers get to their feet, there followed positive exchanges about the benefits of dance between them and some of the Larondina parents who had joined in the trip.

The final performance took place in a modern suburban theatre where parents and young people belonging to the regional Down’s Syndrome Association had gathered. Thrilled by the performance, Angelina was asked to return the following spring and train a teacher who would begin with classes in the region. Although disappointingly no candidate could be found by that time, she, Elisabeth, David and Rebecca led a most enjoyable holiday workshop for ten young people who showed talent and enthusiasm.