Sydney's DirtyFeet is passionate about finding ways for professional artists to give back to the community. The Right Foot offers creative contemporary dance workshops for young people aged 14-26 with and without disability.

The Right Foot provides FREE opportunities for young people with and without disability to:

Improve health and wellbeing;
Build confidence;
Be creative;
Connect with one another; and
Connect with Sydney's professional dance artists. 

“I love dance and it is a new experience for me engaging with people and other activities...I had so much fun. It helped me socialise more.” Melanie Magpayo, Right Foot participant 2013. 


Melanie Magpayo, The Right Foot 2013. Photo Kate Disher-Quill

The workshops focus on contemporary dance techniques,  with space for individual improvisation and creative activities. The workshops are integrated, meaning that both people with and without disability may participate in an environment that supports each individual in their creative decisions and advocates equality. 

WE ARE ASKING FOR YOUR HELP SO WE CAN CONTINUE TO MAKE THESE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY. 

In 2014, the workshops will be led by a specialist in the field of dance and disability -  recent Winston Churchill Fellow Sarah-Vyne Vassallo and supported by a team of professional dance artists. Each workshop can provide opportunities for 20-25 participants with and without disability and will take place at Bankstown Arts Centre in Sydney's South West. 

The Right Foot is also an important professional pathway for aspiring young artists to gain experience to further their performance career.


Right Foot participant Chris Bunton dancing in DirtyFeet's professional dance program Out of the Studio (2014).
Photo: Hayley Rose Photography.

The Right Foot has already secured support from Bankstown Arts Centre, who has donated the cost of hiring the workshop venue. Your pledges will contribute to the following workshop costs:

Employing the workshop leader Sarah-Vyne Vassallo;
Employing four Artist Support Workers to provide support and guidance for participants;
Employing a young artist with a disability to assist in the workshop delivery;
Documentation of the workshops through photography and film;
Provision of fruit snacks in breaks to encourage healthy eating practices.

DirtyFeet offers these workshops at no cost so that young people from all socio-economic backgrounds can participate. Please help us keep these workshops free by making a pledge


Participant Alex Mastro with Artist Support Worker Chanel Leaudais.
Photo: Kate Disher-Quil

If we are unsuccessful in this fundraising campaign, we will not be able to deliver the workshops this year. We will continue our fundraising efforts to deliver the program in future years, however this will result in a loss of momentum for the program and loss of opportunities for young people in 2014. 


The Right Foot 2013. Photo Kate Disher-Quill. 

It's dirty work, but we love it
www.dirtyfeet.com.au