THE YARD is an award-winning anti-bullying program by internationally acclaimed Australian contemporary dance outfit Shaun Parker & Company about bullying, social exclusion, peer pressure and emotional resilience. We are currently planning in-school performances and workshops for 15 to 23 March, 2021 in the lead up to the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence.
Suitable for K – 6 and Years 7 & 8, the program features a 20-minute performance of exhilarating dance piece THE YARD followed by a 20-minute Q&A which unpacks the themes. Most impressive of all, the dancers share their own experiences of bullying and how they overcame it to pursue their passion for dance. A 20-minute optional dance workshop allows students to learn some of the hip hop moves in the show and embody the experience they have just been a part of.
Not only are the dancers spectacular, but the concept and rendering of intention stunning, clever and richly provocative. A wonderful short and relevant piece to study with juniors for appreciation and to inspire narrative-based composition for all stages. THE YARD picks up and navigates so many key social issues expertly, for students of all ages. It also interweaves such special stories and is testament to the rigorous development workshop origin. – Amanda Barwick, Scots College, Sydney.
After taking part in The Yard program:
95% of children said they would not bully someone.
85% of children felt more resilient against bullying.
88% learnt how to help those being bullied.
(Statistics from an evaluation of The Yard conducted with more than 1100 primary students conducted in 2017)
The Yard began as a creative development between Shaun Parker & Company and CAPTIVATE - the Performing Arts Unit of the Diocese of Parramatta. Students from this Western Sydney development have gone on to lead other Shaun Parker & Company productions.
If March 2021 does not suit your school we would still like to hear from you!
Please contact projects@shuanparkercompany.com to discuss future performances and workshops and sign up to our e-news via our website.