The third edition of da:ns focus – EveryBody by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay returns next week, from 9th to 13th April, and as with previous editions, aims to break boundaries and show that dance is for everyone and every body, with no need for a ‘perfect’ body to participate in the beautiful art form of dance.

Launched in 2023, EveryBody presents high-quality performances and experiences centred on inclusivity, diversity and participation, with a focus on empowering everybody by using dance as a force for change. 

This year’s programme is headlined by Stopgap Dance Company (UK), who will be making their Asian premiere at Esplanade with Lived Fiction. This multi-sensory work was selected for its seamless integration of accessibility features with choreography, enhancing the experience for diverse audiences, including those who are Deaf or hard of hearing, blind or have low vision, Disabled, or neurodivergent. A manifestation of Stopgap’s 20 year history, Lived Fiction is an atmospheric, multisensory work that blends sensual choreography with innovative sound and visual design with accessibility features creatively weaved in.

Featuring seven performers with and without disabilities, the production spotlights each performer’s experiences and stories through movement and spoken word. Across two acts, solo, duet and group performances unfold, reflecting each individual’s relationship with dance and movement, their lived realities and with one another. 

Lived Fiction will also feature companion programmes to raise inclusivity, allowing audiences to connect with the artists and performances. Some of these include pre-show sharing sessions, where audiences can meet some of the cast and creative team from Stopgap Dance Company to learn about the dance, music, accessibility features and creative process behind this production.; as well as pre-show guides (Visual Story, Sonic Story and a What to Expect video) with details on Lived Fiction to help prepare neurodivergent audiences before they arrive. 

Audiences can also look forward to Touch Tours before each performance, designed for blind or visually impaired audience members, while post-show talks after every performance will feature Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) interpretation. Lucy Bennett, Co-Artistic Director of Stopgap Dance Company, will deliver a talk on creative access exploring how industry professionals may conceive, devise and create performances with accessibility features at its heart and core, while two workshops will also be offered, one designed for individuals with disabilities (physical, sensory, developmental and/or intellectual), and another choreographic workshop for dance professionals focusing on inclusive creation.  

Be sure to also look out for the return of the ever-popular EveryBody Dance Now, which transforms the Esplanade Concourse into a weekend dance marathon featuring 14 different dance-along sessions. Led by some of Singapore’s top dance studios and instructors, these sessions invite all bodies to move freely, learn new dance styles and have fun with friends and family! To foster inclusivity, daily accessible sessions from Friday to Sunday will feature open and adaptive teaching approaches for diverse participants, with SgSL interpretation provided. 

Anchored in inclusivity and celebrating every body and everybody, don’t miss this weekend of empowering, joyous dance showcases and diverse workshops, and come together in movement with da:ns focus – EveryBody 2025.

da:ns focus – EveryBody runs from 9th to 13th April 2025 at the Esplanade. Tickets and full programme available here