RELENTLESS: Inclusive Best Practice Training with BLINK Dance Theatre
About this Event
Across three workshops, you will be introduced to the fundamental approaches that underpin all of BLINK’s neurodiverse-led participatory work, taking away a toolkit of approaches and activities to make your own work more inclusive.
All three sessions will be co-led by members of the BLINK team, drawing from their years of collective experience, knowledge, and participatory practice.
Session One: Finding Ways into Movement & Sensory Practice
Movement is a universal language. This session provides tools to break down barriers to creative and physical expression, using sensory engagement to create inclusive, age-aware environments rooted in deep connection.
This training will cover:
- Accessible ways to connect through movement, even when dance isn't your thing!
- How and why to engage the senses in your practice, including the vestibular, proprioceptive and interoceptive senses
- An introduction to using objects creatively, as well as foundations for designing your own sensory props
- The importance of age-awareness and what this looks like in practice
Session Two: Building Trust through Creative Communication
Foster environments where everyone feels safe to be seen. We’ll share proven techniques for accessible communication and low-demand practice that prioritises participant agency, trust, and creative freedom.
This training will cover:
- Accessible creative communication approaches for different needs
- Participant agency through choice-making and leadership
- Building trust through low-demand techniques
- Techniques to structure sessions and reduce transition anxiety
Session Three: Taking Risks in Co-creation and Co-leadership
Explore the transformative power of co-creation and co-leadership. This session challenges traditional hierarchies, focusing on the practicalities of artist support and building collaborative neurodiverse partnerships that shift creative power.
This training will cover:
- Risk-taking and subversive approaches to co-creation: challenging institutional expectations; using special interests as a creative starting point
- Accessible co-leadership: what needs to be in place for neurodivergent leaders to thrive; the differences between co-facilitation and artistic support
- Approaches to collaborating effectively with support / care workers and staff in partner organisations
FAQ
Who are BLINK Dance Theatre?
BLINK are a neurodiverse-led arts organisation who are radically challenging who gets to lead while creating multi-sensory, immersive performances and workshops. For the past 13 years, we have been delivering multi-sensory, narrative explorations in schools and other settings for those labelled with the most barriers to access; and now we are bringing this expertise to you through this training series.
Do I need to attend all three sessions?
You can attend all three trainings as a series, or attend one or two that apply most to your own practice (but we do recommend coming to all three!)
NB: You will need to book each session separately through Eventbrite.
What will the training involve?
Each training session will be co-led by a neurodiverse pair of BLINK Dance Theatre co-facilitators. The exact plan will vary between sessions, but all will include a relaxed start and check-in, an overview of the approaches shared, and a chance to put these approaches into practice through practical activities.
Due to the practical elements of the training, we recommend all attendees wear clothes they are comfortable moving in.
Who are the sessions for?
These sessions are aimed at arts practitioners, teachers, and anyone who is looking to expand their existing inclusive practice and bring a fresh approach to their creative work. All levels of experience are welcome: BLINK co-facilitators will respond to needs and interests in the room.
Is the training accessible?
The sessions will take place at BLINK’s studio space in Nine Elms, Battersea. The studio is on the ground floor, with level access.
You will be asked when booking your ticket(s) for any access requirements you would like to share with the training team in advance in the session. You can also reach out to [email protected] ahead of booking to discuss any access requirements.
How do I get there?
Our nearest underground station is Battersea Power Station (Northern Line), which is a five-minute walk away. As a new build, our location on Google/Apple Maps may not be accurate; we recommend looking at the location on what3words (///drum.faces.glow).
On-street, paid parking is available, but limited. We recommend using public transport when visiting us.
I still have questions.
If you have any further questions before booking your ticket, please reach out to the BLINK team at [email protected].
I really want to learn from BLINK, but can't make it this time.
This will be the first of many training series where we share our practice with others - to be the first to hear about more in the future, sign up for our mailing list or follow us on Eventbrite.
17th June, 2026
🕑: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Finding Ways into Movement & Sensory Practice
Info: Movement is a universal language. This session provides tools to break down barriers to physical expression, using sensory engagement to create inclusive, age-appropriate environments rooted in deep connection.
24th June, 2026
🕑: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Building Trust through Creative Communication
Info: Foster environments where everyone feels safe to be seen. We’ll share proven techniques for accessible communication and low-demand practice that prioritises participant agency, trust, and creative freedom.
1st July, 2026
🕑: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Taking Risks in Co-Creation and Co-Leadership
Info: Explore the transformative power of co-creation and co-leadership. This session challenges traditional hierarchies, focusing on the practicalities of artist support and building collaborative partnerships that shift creative power.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 38.62
