The production platform ProFitArt, in addition to producing theatre productions, also deals with creative education. Activities have a significant social impact, focusing on children’s psychomotor development, mental health support and emotional intelligence. Part of this stream are, for example, workshops for children and for teachers Learning by Circus led by lecturers Cécile Da Costa and Robert Janč, as well as the latest project entitled Dance and Mental Health in Schools and Beyond, which ProFitArt is implementing in cooperation with the British ensemble Company Chameleon and which is co-organised by Švandovo Theatre in Smíchov.
The ProFitArt platform aims to bring an innovative project focused on promoting children’s mental health and well-being through movement and dance to the Czech school environment. This project, called Dance and Mental Health in Schools and Beyond, which is run in collaboration with the British Company Chameleon and Švanda Theatre, focuses on linking physical activity with mental development and offers a wide range of events and activities for different target groups during the last week of August and the first week of September.
Movement suburban camp with Chameleons
From 26 to 30 August 2024, a movement suburban camp for children aged 10-14 will take place at the Creative House of Eliška Pešková in Smíchov. This week-long camp will offer children a fun and creative exploration of movement, self-expression and mental well-being under the guidance of experienced instructors from Company Chameleon. Children will have the opportunity to develop their creativity, strengthen their bodies and explore their uniqueness through guided improvisation and creative challenges. The camp will culminate in a joint performance for parents and a performance by British dancers.
Inspiration Day – a practical seminar (not only) for teachers
A Day of Inspiration for teachers and other helping professions will take place on 31 August 2024. This full-day seminar will provide participants with theoretical and practical knowledge about the positive impact of dance on the mental health of children and young people. Leading lecturers, including Company Chameleon’s artistic director Anthony Missen, Learning Through Circus project tutor Robert Janč, Laura Henderson from the Society for Creativity in Education and somatic therapist and social-emotional learning (SEL) guide for schools Glynis Hull-Rochelle, will present innovative approaches to linking body and movement to mental health. Participants will gain inspiration and new tools to apply in their teaching practice.
Sharing experience with professional dancers
Sharing experience with professional dancers and teachers from Company Chameleon is planned for September 2 and 3, 2024. This two-day event is designed for professional dancers, dance therapists and educators interested in the connection between dance and mental health. Participants will engage in discussions and hands-on sessions that incorporate innovative teaching and therapeutic practices.
The entire project will also provide a unique opportunity to see two performances of UMBRA’s immersive site-specific production performed by the dancers of Company Chameleon on Friday, August 30 and Saturday, August 31, each at 5:30 pm in the space in front of CineStar Anděl.
The project Dance and Mental Health in Schools and Beyond is a unique contribution to promoting the mental well-being of children and young people in the Czech environment, combining art, movement and therapeutic approaches. This project is delivered in collaboration with Company Chameleon, a UK-based company that has been using dance as a tool to enhance mental health and wellbeing since 2017. It is also co-organised by Švanda Theatre in Smíchov.
The project is supported by the European Union (National Recovery Plan).