Presented by ConfiCo and Confidance
Bold and moving, Give Me Space is a powerful dance performance by ConfiCo that puts learning-disabled voices centre stage and demands to be heard.
Give Me Space is a striking new dance piece co-created with ConfiCo, Confidance’s company of learning-disabled artists. Together, the dancers share their lived experience, exploring what it feels like to live in a world that doesn’t always listen or include.
“People often mishear me. I want people to take the time to listen and understand me. I want people to give me more space…”
Using movement, spoken word and strong images, the piece explores how it feels to be excluded by systems and rules that don’t fit. It is also about strength, creativity and the ongoing fight to be heard and understood.
By sharing their stories on stage, ConfiCo are building a future where learning-disabled artists are seen, valued and celebrated in professional performance.
Praise for Give Me Space:
“This made me feel like change is possible”
“Joy, connection and the beauty of movement”
“It gives you the courage to be bold”
This event will start with two performances from exceptional youth companies in East Kent: Herne Bay High School and Confidance Youth Dance Company.
Herne Bay High School will present ‘Still We Rise’
Inspired by the words of Maya Angelou and the fight for equality led by figures such as Nelson Mandela, this piece explores the journey from silence to self‑expression.
Confidance Youth Dance Company will present ‘Both…and’
Joyful and angry. Forgetful and passionate. Creative and quiet.
Inspired by ConfiCo’s research into identity, our youth company dancers have created a piece that explores what makes each of them unique. Through movement, they show that identity isn’t just one thing – it’s made up of many parts.
This piece celebrates difference, honesty, and the idea that we can all be more than one thing at the same time.
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Access Information
This event welcomes people with and without learning disabilities and neurodivergence.
What to expect:
- An accessible programme will be available to explain the performance.
- There will be an interval, and you are welcome to take breaks whenever you need.
- You can stim, move or make noise during the show.
- The performance includes loud and energetic music. Feel free to bring ear defenders if helpful.
- There will be no strobe lighting or full blackouts. Sunglasses are welcome if that helps you feel comfortable.
The venue is wheelchair accessible. More details are available on the Gulbenkian website under Access.
Accessibility note:
BSL interpretation will not be provided. We aim to include people who are hard of hearing and/or deaf by using captions for spoken word during the Give Me Space performance.
More about ConfiCo and Confidance:
ConfiCo are Confidance’s professional training company, made up of dancers with learning disabilities. Since they formed in 2019, ConfiCo have created and performed bold new dance performances across Kent. Alongside training, they bring high-quality representation to key arts events and perform to hundreds of people each year.
Confidance have been trailblazing inclusion in Kent for over 15 years. They provide accessible dance training where it is lacking: in schools, community classes and through professional training. Their mission is to ensure that people with learning disabilities and/or neurodivergence are seen, heard and valued.
You can learn more about ConfiCo and Confidance by visiting our website: www.confidance.org.uk