Artistic Identity (part 3) | by Lucy Bennett
Here’s the conclusion of Lucy’s series on Artistic Identity
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Open Dialogo Residencies 2026 | Artists and Organisations Announced
Stopgap Dance Company is delighted to announce the selected artists for Open Dialogo 3. This new cohort of D/deaf and Disabled dance artists from England and Italy has been awarded residencies as part of the international exchange programme. Through in-person and digital exchanges, the artists will develop new work, share inclusive practice, and build cross-cultural dialogue between the two countries.
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A Year in Motion | Reflecting on 2025
Senior Dance Artist Hannah Sampson, reflects on a landmark year at Stopgap Dance Company — from award-winning performances and international touring to creative collaboration, advocacy, and the rhythms of everyday life as a dance artist. A personal look at growth, movement, and what lies ahead.
Find out moreArtistic Identity (part 2) | by Lucy Bennett
Lucy’s series continues: with part two focussing on Integration.
Artistic Identity (part 1) | by Lucy Bennett
Artistic Director, Lucy Bennett, writes a series of blogs on Artistic Identity – here’s number one out of three.
Artificial Things | ★★★★ Edinburgh Guide
'Exhilarating, emotional and provoking' a review from Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2015
Lucy's response to The Telegraph article
Artistic Director Lucy Bennett responds to the article 'How I shamed the ballet world' by Chief Political Correspondent of The Daily Telegraph. This response is also published by South East Dance's Everybody Issue in August 2015.
Sho's response to The Telegraph article
Company Producer Sho Shibata responds to the article 'How I shamed the ballet world' by Chief Political Correspondent of The Daily Telegraph. This response is also published by The RAD Gazette in October 2015.
The benefits of dance
Imogen Aujla PhD, Senior Lecturer in Dance and Course Coordinator MSc Dance Science at the University of Bedfordshire, writes about the well-being outcomes of dance and the positive impact our inclusive syllabus IRIS could have in promoting physical and mental health for disabled people.
Your Reaction | Bill & Bobby (Summer 2015)
Your thoughts on our new outdoor show Bill & Bobby from our outings at GDIF, Hijinx Unity Festival and Winchester Hatfair.
The Seafarers | The Production
And here is the third and final part of this weeks featured blogs from Artistic Director, Lucy, summing up working on the Seafarers.
The Seafarers | The Process
Here’s part 2 of Lucy Bennett’s blog; The Process behind making The Seafarers.
The Seafarers | The Concept
Artistic Director, Lucy, has written a three-part blog leading up to Stopgap’s performance of The Seafarers as part of Portsmouth Festivities. Read part one and learn where all the concept ideas stemmed from.
Dance UK Conference
Laura talks about her involvement with Dance UK’s event, The Future: New Ideas, New Inspiration.
Announcing The Seafarers
Stopgap is excited to officially announce our next big project - a site specific, community dance performance in Portsmouth
Stopgap at Move It!
Julia, the company’s Research Assistant, writes a blog about Stopgap’s guest appearance on the main stage at Move it, the UK’s biggest dance exhibition which takes place annually at Olympia, London.
IRIS Discussion & Development
Julia, IRIS Research Associate, reflects on the first meetings for Stopgap’s pilot dance training programme for young disabled and non-disabled dancers.
Chris' thoughts on The Awakening
Chris shares his experiences choreographing The Awakening and what he has learnt from the whole process.
Why we made The Awakening | Part 2
Our Company Producer Sho Shibata gives his insight into producing The Awakening, which was the first touring dance production ever to be made by learning disabled choreographer.
Ana's Blog
Ana, who has traveled from America to be here with us at Stopgap for a six-week placement, writes a short blog explaining her experiences of dance and disability.
Amy's Creation Blog | Part 2
Amy has been commissioned to choreograph a short dance work for Sg2’s new mixed bill Exhibition, funded through Arts Council’s Strategic Touring Scheme, touring in Autumn 14. In this 2 part blog Amy explains her ideas for her choreography and where she hopes it will lead…
Why we made The Awakening | Part 1
Prior to the London premiere of Chris’ new outdoor work at Greenwich and Docklands International Festival, Company Producer Sho Shibata talks about what makes Chris’ work so appealing (Part 1 of a 2 Part blog).
Chris on the creation of The Awakening
Our learning disabled dance artist Chris Pavia has done a quick Q&A about his inspiration behind our new outdoor production The Awakening.
Amy's Creation Blog | Part 1
Amy has been commissioned to choreograph a short dance work for Sg2's new mixed bill Exhibition, funded through Arts Council's Strategic Touring Scheme, touring in Autumn 14. In this 2 part blog Amy explains her ideas for her choreography and where she hopes it will lead.
Artificial Things | ★★★★ Exeunt Magazine
'Bold and disarming' a review from Sadler's Wells
Your Reaction | The Awakening premiere (16 May)
Your thoughts on the UK premiere of The Awakening at the Integrated Dance Summit, Pavilion Dance South West.