Dungiven’s Carmel helps dancers transform lives

She is part of the choreography team behind what promises to be one of the most exciting, different and internationally significant contemporary dance events in the year-long UK City of Culture programme, with more than a hundred performers taking to the stage of The Venue in Londonderry’s Waterside this Saturday (June 1).

The Here and Beyond show will involve local children, young people and adults with and without disabilities dancing with visiting international performers under the direction of acclaimed choreographers such as local woman Carmel Garvey.

Another of those involved with the project is fellow North West woman and choreographer Dr Jenny Elliott. Dr Elliott is also Chief Executive Officer of Arts Care, the organisation behind the venture. She said: “The strength and energy of all our performers has made for a seamless creative integration between professional and amateur, young and old and those with and without disability. Together, they have broadened their horizons and taken on new skills in order to create an evening of dance that would grace any stage in the world.