I feel privileged to be Artist in Residence for such an exciting and important project that brings London communities together, celebrating the arts and literature in libraries with FREE fun activities and events for children, families and young people. I am particularly thrilled to bring dance to the festival. I truly believe that, like all-inclusive artistic and cultural activities, dance can help with people’s personal development and create enthusiasm for education and healthy life-style by exploring emotional and physical creativity as part of a group in fun game-like dance activities.This is a great opportunity for families and young people to see their local library in a new light as a place to engage with the community, nurture imagination, promote health and be exposed to the arts and activities that otherwise might not be so easy to access. All workshops aim to provide a friendly and safe environment in which to exchange ideas, develop motor-skills, explore the library recently, beautifully restored, historical building and interact with local people.
With a jammed pack schedule of activities over the three days; from the Dance Dystopia workshops aimed at 11 to 14 years old, to the Dancing with Dahl workshops for small people with huge imaginations and their families, for the under 5 and the 5 to 11 years old, to the dance showcase on the final day for all ages; the festival is promising to have something for everyone.

made for camera; and Trail Tale – La Melodia, inspired by Chilean writer and activist, Luis Sepúlveda’s book The Story of a Snail Who Discovered the Importance of Being Slow. This playful duet looks at journeying, growth, celebrating the important people that leave a mark on us in our life. With not long to go to the beginning of the festival, I have already had the chance to meet the friendly library team and to talk to a few local users and I can honestly say I look forward to the festival. So do not miss out on this fantastic opportunity, reserve your space to the many activities by using the below link provided; get ready to channel your inner Katniss, Tris or explore Roald Dahl’s amazing characters through dance as you giggle and wiggle your way through games and stories inspired by the fantastical universe of literature and tales…
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Please visit here for the full program and to reserve your space.

Don’t miss Spine Festival 2016, 3-5 March. Loads of FREE arts and literature events for children, families and young people in your library! For more information visit the SPINE project page or follow #SpineFestival2016. Produced by Apples and Snakes in partnership with library authorities across London. ​