‘Moving Up’ with Combination Dance
Exploring MND Through Dance, Science, and Storytelling with Combination Dance at the launch night of the Festival of Research at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU). TODDCS provided an original film to accompany the performance and documented the rehearsal process and the event.
The Concept
“Moving Up” is an original collaboration between Combination Dance and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), blending art and science to raise awareness about motor neurone disease (MND). Inspired by the research of Professor Emma Hodson-Tole, this dance work uniquely examines the debilitating effects of MND on physical activity, incorporating actual sounds of muscle contractions and video footage from MMU’s cutting-edge research.
The performance also highlights the lived experiences of patients with MND, presenting their personal hopes for the future of research. With its fusion of dance, scientific innovation, and storytelling, Moving Up aims to engage audiences emotionally and intellectually, spreading awareness about MND’s impact and the importance of ongoing research.
The Execution
Rehearsals and Creative Development:
Rehearsals in full swing, led award-winning Artistic Director Anne-Marie Smalldon leading the process alongside choreographers Matt Walker and Chloe Mead. The creative team has worked tirelessly to ensure the dance tells a compelling, emotionally resonant story. TODDCS’s film had to accompany the dance piece whilst giving an introduction to MND and incorporated video projections from MMU’s research and a carefully crafted score, which includes real muscle contraction sounds—a first for a dance piece.
Live Performance:
The final performance is staged at MMU’s Lowry Building on the Manchester campus. Featuring a stellar cast of dancers, including Tilly Woodward, Leigh Shaked, Jamie Mason, Matt Biancheri, and Chloe Mead, the show brings scientific research to life through movement, seamlessly weaving art and data into a profound narrative.
Audience Engagement:
Attendees are invited to witness the culmination of this collaborative project at a free live event, emphasizing accessibility and outreach. The program includes insights from Brian Dickie MBE from the MND Association, providing context and depth to the audience’s experience. Through post-performance discussions, attendees can reflect on the science behind the art and connect with the pressing need for advancements in MND research.
The Impact
Raising Awareness for MND:
By intertwining art and science, Moving Up creates a powerful platform to shed light on the realities of MND. The inclusion of patient stories and real research elements bridges the gap between data and human experience, leaving audiences with a deeper understanding of the disease.
Advancing Advocacy and Research Support:
The project amplifies MMU’s role in advancing MND research, with the dance drawing attention to the importance of continued investment in scientific discovery. Featuring contributions from the MND Association, the event underscores the value of collaborative efforts in tackling this debilitating disease.
Engaging Diverse Audiences:
Through the accessible medium of dance, Moving Up appeals to a wide audience, including individuals who may not have prior knowledge of MND. The integration of art and science ensures that the message resonates on both an emotional and intellectual level.
