"Hello, My name is David Ainsworth and I'm a participant with Fuse Dance Collective and I also live with Parkinson's. Fuse, along with its parent organisation, Ascendance, carry out brilliant and vital creative work with people with Parkinson's and other conditions. A key element of that work is dance performance and we are very excited that we've been invited to perform at Resolution in January next year (Sat 11th Jan). Resolution is an annual festival of emerging dancing talent and it's an honour and privilege to be invited.
In order to make this happen, we need to raise £2000 pounds.
The piece we are doing is one that I have choreographed and is a reaction to my experience of living with Parkinson's. It's called "Signature Moves". The prestige of performing in such a festival is an obvious advantage to the group. And the confidence gained from testing oneself in performance is of huge benefit to the individual members.
Please do all you can to support us in this endeavour."
Our charity is asking for your help to assist this talented cast of 14 older dancers and dancers with Parkinson’s to travel from Leeds to London by train, and stay overnight.
Your support will enable these extraordinary performers to share their emotive contemporary dance piece, “Signature Moves,” which examines the feelings of living with Parkinson's, exploring a personal journey from denial to rationalisation to acceptance.
"Signature Moves" not only showcases the creative potential of people often seen as participants rather than artists but also educates audiences, sparks conversations about living with Parkinson’s, and demonstrates the value of individuals with an illness to culture and society.
David, a former accountant, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 8 years ago, is now a key performer and has graduated from Ascendance’s UK-first training program for people with Parkinson’s. Early performances of "Signature Moves" were first shown at Northern Ballet's Expressions festival and Stage@Leeds. David also teaches workshops, particularly for those with Parkinson’s or other neurological conditions, and is further developing his skills through mentoring and shadowing with companies across Leeds.
Your generous donation will help make this dream a reality, allowing these dedicated dancers to inspire and connect with new audiences in London. Every contribution counts and is deeply appreciated. Please give what you can.
Watch the company in action over on Look North.
