Impact

Participant from Women’s Stories: Being Enough

Karen participated in the Women’s Stories: Being Enough workshop at Norwich Theatre, a programme that used theatrical techniques to explore storytelling and self-expression. Despite having no prior drama experience, Karen was drawn to the idea of sharing personal narratives and found the workshops both challenging and enjoyable. The group quickly bonded, creating a supportive community where participants embraced vulnerability, shared experiences, and formed lasting friendships. Karen particularly valued activities like movement exercises and choosing symbolic objects, such as a glass sphere, which encouraged self-reflection and new perspectives.

The workshop’s unique blend of theatre, storytelling, and shared experiences allowed Karen and others to overcome inhibitions, explore creativity, and confront personal challenges. The safe and joyful space fostered healing and growth, with many participants experiencing transformative ‘eureka moments’. For Karen, the collective wisdom of women was a powerful force, helping her reconnect with her courage and strength. She described the experience as magical, emphasizing the forgotten power of women coming together in modern society.

Since completing the workshop, Karen has noticed significant improvements in her life. Her self-confidence has returned, and she has become physically active, taking up swimming, dancing, and cycling. These changes have enabled her to continue her journey of self-discovery and tackle ongoing health challenges. The supportive environment and shared wisdom of the group left a lasting impact, empowering Karen to embrace new opportunities and deepen her relationships.

Participant from Boys Movement Company

Even from a young age, Terrel’s fascination with movement was clear—he ‘adored rhythm’ and found that dance offered him a world to be himself. Being home-schooled and on the autism spectrum, he sought more expressive styles and ‘male-energy’ spaces beyond the technique-heavy classes he knew where most participants were girls. When his mother, Tracey, discovered the Boys Movement Company (BMC) through a Facebook advert, Terrel leapt at the chance to join a group designed just for boys, blending urban, contemporary, and other dynamic styles in a supportive environment.

Within BMC, Terrel found more than just a place to dance; he discovered a genuine community. Ben Nash, the group’s leader, treated the boys with respect, sensitivity, and an approach Tracey describes as “what his old dance teacher needed.” Under Ben’s guidance, Terrel learned to integrate favourite moves into cohesive routines, explore new techniques, and gain confidence that extended far beyond the studio. The boys “all call themselves brothers now”, creating a trusting space where Terrel could relax, be authentic, and embrace his unique energy without constantly striving to meet others’ expectations.

This freedom and affirmation paid off. Terrel mastered moves he had always dreamed of, took part in workshops led by renowned dancers, and gained the courage to dance outside his comfort zone. At the AYD100 programme, directors recognised him for being “so raw and so himself”, and he earned a short course with the Rambert School. Tracey credits this growth to BMC’s influence, where Terrel learned he could be “himself and feel free,” forging a path as both a dancer and a young man confident in his own potential.

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