From “What Does Dance Mean to You?” to “5, 6, 7, 8… Ready, Set, Go!”
- stepbysteptogether
- Jan 31
- 3 min read
A Community Dance Journey (2022–2023)
Step by Step Together is a community-focused dance theatre project initiated by Sue-Ellen Shepherdson and Claire Dalzell, local creative artists and educators with a shared passion for delivering high-quality arts programs that prioritise wellbeing, connection, and opportunity, particularly for young people within their community.
With the generous support of the Federal Government’s Regional Arts Fund and Country Arts SA, this two-year project came to life in Loxton, inviting community members to explore dance not just as performance, but as an everyday, meaningful part of human experience.
Phase One: What Does Dance Mean to You? (2022)
In 2022, Step by Step Together launched the first phase of the project through a series of inclusive community workshops titled “What Does Dance Mean to You?”
The aim was simple yet powerful: to explore how dance exists in people’s daily lives, how it is perceived, and whether it can influence wellbeing, connection, and relationships — regardless of whether participants loved dance, disliked it, or had never danced before.
Through guided discussion and creative movement activities, participants were encouraged to reflect on:
Where and why people dance day to day
How dance connects individuals and communities
Whether dance can support emotional expression and wellbeing
How technology impacts relationships, and how it might be used through dance to strengthen connection rather than distance
Each workshop focused on a key theme:
Week 1: Sharing Experiences, Styles & Skills Exploring personal relationships with dance and learning from the diversity within the group.
Week 2: Dance & Fitness Highlighting movement as an accessible and empowering way to support physical health.
Week 3: The Social Significance of Dance Examining dance as a cultural, social, and community connector.
Week 4: Storytelling Through Dance Using movement to communicate ideas, memories, and stories.
Week 5: Technology & Dance Investigating digital platforms, dance apps, and filmed performance as tools for connection.
Week 6: Emotional Expression Through Dance Focusing on dance as a form of emotional release, reflection, and self-expression.
With Claire in the final stages of becoming a qualified counsellor, wellbeing was a key consideration throughout the project. The team also engaged Counsellor and Occupational Therapist Jenni Hampel, associated with the Riverland Community Suicide Prevention Network, who provided valuable advice and strategies to support participants safely and meaningfully.
Phase Two: 5, 6, 7, 8… Ready, Set, Go! (2023)
In 2023, the project evolved into Phase Two, titled “5, 6, 7, 8… Ready, Set, Go!”, transforming ideas and reflections from the workshops into a Digital Dance Theatre Production.
This phase included:
Ongoing creative development
Exploration of dance apps and technology
A two-day physical performance process
Paid employment opportunities for local artists and selected performers
The final outcome was presented to the community during Arts on Terrace in August 2023, featuring interactive workshops throughout the day and culminating in a large-scale Digital Dance Theatre performance that evening at the Lutheran Peace Hall, Loxton.
The cast included 12 performers, ranging from novice dancers to those with years of experience — reinforcing the project’s belief that meaningful art is created through inclusion, collaboration, and shared experience, not perfection.
Reflections from the Cast
The impact of Step by Step Together is best captured in the voices of those involved:
“My favourite thing about Step by Step is that I felt welcomed and didn’t feel judged by anyone else participating. Step by Step has made me understand that things happen for a reason and that I am not alone and always have people that I can turn to and trust.”
“Making friends, new friendships, people helping me and including me and the best dance teachers to learn from. I love dance so much and this group.”
“Step by Step Together has been an extremely valuable opportunity to be a part of, because it’s allowed me to develop a stronger sense of understanding my relationship towards dance, as well as a deeper connection and exploring my creative side, which will enhance my future career. SBST has helped me socially, by creating a positive and inclusive environment, with other theatre and dance like-minded individuals from our community.”
“I have felt very supported and welcomed into the crew. I have a love and passion for dance and this program has filled a gap and provided an opportunity for me to continue dancing."
Looking Forward
Step by Step Together hopes this project is just the beginning. Future aims include the establishment of an Arts Community Centre in Loxton, supporting ongoing creative opportunities, local employment, and positive wellbeing outcomes for youth, emerging artists, and the wider community.
From a question, to movement, to performance — this project celebrated dance as a shared human experience, rooted in community, care, and connection.
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