By Arts Council England
Story curated by TIN Arts
TIN Arts work with over 200 children and young people every week at the their dance space and in school and community settings across County Durham.
As part of TIN Arts' activities, they work in groups for performances taking place indoors and outdoors throughout the year.
Flyin': Running Out of Time (2018) by Ian PaineArts Council England
Every piece has a live audience and is also captured on video so TIN Arts can show what is made. But it is much harder to show what young people are thinking or feeling when they dance.
Billy Elliot (2014) by Sean GoldthorpeArts Council England
The young dancers from TIN Arts live across County Durham, which is where the film 'Billy Elliot' is set.
Billy, a working-class boy who discovers a passion for Ballet, auditions for the Royal Ballet. During the audition he's asked "What does it feel like when you are dancing?"
IncludFEST: Rosie (2018) by Ian PaineArts Council England
He replies: "Sorta disappear. Like I feel a change in my whole body. And I've got this fire in my body. I'm just there. Flyin' like a bird".
Inspired by this quote, TIN Arts asked young people how it felt when they danced.
Flying: Anna (2019) by Ian PaineArts Council England
Anna
"I knew there could be no wrong, and the understanding I had for my own body helped me to regain a value to my own voice."
Flying: Megan (2019) by Ian PaineArts Council England
Megan
"When I dance I feel free and it gives me an escape from the real world."
Flying: Matthew (2019) by TIN ArtsArts Council England
Matthew
"I feel free - sharing a moment in time with my friends."
Flying: Alix (2019) by Ian PaineArts Council England
Alix
"I dance because it helps me to express myself and to feel proud."
TIN Arts - Running Out of Time (2018) by Ian PaineArts Council England
Lilly
"I feel unconfined and not judged."
Flying: Korban (2019) by Ian PaineArts Council England
Korban
"Before I dance, I get really excited. When I dance it's like I am floating on a cloud and I am really happy."
Flying: Bryn (2019) by Ian PaineArts Council England
Bryn
"When I dance at TIN Arts it is the feeling of connection with those around me that is strongest. We are together as friends and artists supporting and helping each other."
Flying: Alexandra (2019) by TIN ArtsArts Council England
Alexandra
"When I dance I feel like ocean waves: peaceful and strong."
Flying: Melissa (2019) by Ian PaineArts Council England
Melissa
"I feel happy and proud - I enjoy performing for my friends because I get to show them what I can do."
Flyin': Rachel (2019) by Ian PaineArts Council England
Rachel
"It makes everything else disappear. I imagine that nothing matters and all my worries go away."
To see more images of young people performing and to hear their thoughts about what it feels like when they are dancing, head to the TIN Arts website.
This story was curated by TIN Arts as part of Arts Council's Northern Stories collection.
