da:ns focus

The third edition of da:ns focus – EveryBody by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay returns from 9 – 13 Apr 2025, and continues to expand the ideas and conventions of the perfect dancing body and redefine what is possible in both dance and life.  

Launched in 2023 as part of the transformation from da:ns festival to da:ns focus—a season of five distinctly themed dance weekends—EveryBody presents high-quality performances and experiences centred on inclusivity, diversity and participation. We are immensely grateful for the compassion, generosity and support of various communities thus far. We remain committed to empowering everybody and every body to enjoy and experience dance at EveryBody while using dance as a force for change. 

This year, Lived Fiction, the acclaimed production by Stopgap Dance Company, makes its Asian premiere at Esplanade after captivating audiences across the UK. As part of our commitment to inclusive programming, 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. Earnest and contemplative, yet playful, this contemporary dance work explores the human condition with compassion, offering fresh perspectives on both dance and life through the stories and lived experiences of performers with and without disabilities. 

To ensure deeper audience engagement, we have designed multiple access points, making it easier for those new to dance or inclusivity to connect with the artists and performances. Lived Fiction features a rich series of companion programmes, including: 

• 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.  

• 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. 

• Touch Tours before each performance, designed for blind or visually impaired audience members, but may also be useful for neurodivergent audiences. 

• Post-show talks after every performance with Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) interpretation available.  

• A Talk on Creative Access by Lucy Bennett, Co-Artistic Director of Stopgap Dance Company, exploring how industry professionals may conceive, devise and create performances with accessibility features at its heart and core.  

• Two workshops, one designed for individuals with disabilities (physical, sensory, developmental and/or intellectual), and another choreographic workshop for dance professionals focusing on inclusive creation.  

In addition, the ever-popular EveryBody Dance Now returns, transforming 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. 

With over 20 performances, talks, workshops and dance-along sessions, EveryBody invites you to share in the joy of dance, experience fresh perspectives, and celebrate the beauty of diverse communities coming together in movement.    

Iris Cheung  
Producer, The Esplanade Co Ltd