ArtPlay Children Learning - Liz Clark Interview

Introduction

• Host: Dr. Louisa Penfold
• Guest: Liz Clark, early years dance artist
• Liz's Background:
  • Director of Turned On Its Head Dance Company
  • Lead artist on Talent 25, a 25-year research study on arts in babies' lives
  • Based in East Midlands of England

Liz Clark's Career

• Community dance artist with 30 years of experience
• Initial focus on ballet; shifted to community-based dance
• Specializes in early years dance
• Works across education, research, and performance

Key Projects

Shiny

• Immersive performance for babies and children
• Open access to performance space
• Mixture of choreographed and improvised performance
• Created for inclusivity and accessibility

Curiosity and Creativity Project

• Conducted in a nursery with outdoor space
• Focused on gathering natural materials for creative movement

Importance of Creative Movement and Dance

• Movement as a primary means of communication
• Enhances physical development, social skills, and self-expression
• Important for children’s learning and development
• Movement helps babies explore the world before verbal communication

Tips for Parents

1. Create Space:
   • Make space for movement at home
   • Engage in movement with children
2. Seek Provocations:
   • Use natural or household objects to inspire movement
3. Honor Children's Movement:
   • Mirror children's movements
   • Encourage children's creativity and self-expression

Talent 25 Project

• 25-year study involving babies under one year old
• Focus on creating lifelong connections to the arts
• Current challenges with online interaction due to COVID-19

Resources

• Liz Clark's website: turnedonitshand.org
• Play Cards from Wales for movement starters
• Made With Many resources for creative movement ideas

Conclusion

• Early years dance artist Liz Clark shares insights into integrating dance into young children's lives.
• Further learning resources are available on Liz's website.
• Hosted by Dr. Louisa Penfold.